Released in 1996, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT is an exhilarating action-thriller directed by Renny Harlin and penned by Shane Black. The film features Geena Davis as Samantha Caine, an ordinary schoolteacher grappling with amnesia, and Samuel L. Jackson as Mitch Henessey, a struggling private investigator. As Samantha embarks on a quest to uncover her past, she learns she was once Charly Baltimore, a highly skilled assassin. This shocking revelation sets off a chain of dangerous events, drawing the duo into a high-stakes battle against powerful enemies.
The film's narrative explores the tension between Samantha’s quiet, suburban life and her lethal, hidden past. For eight years, she has lived peacefully in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, working as a teacher and raising her young daughter, Caitlin. However, a sudden violent incident rekindles memories of a life she cannot fully remember. Determined to find out the truth, Samantha partners with Henessey, and together they uncover a sinister government conspiracy involving deadly weapons. Their journey is fraught with peril, forcing Samantha to embrace her former self in order to survive.
Geena Davis delivers a remarkable performance, seamlessly transitioning between the nurturing, mild-mannered Samantha and the fierce, ruthless Charly. Her portrayal captures the deep internal conflict of a woman torn between two drastically different identities. The ability to balance raw emotion with intense action sequences makes her character even more compelling. Samuel L. Jackson, in turn, brings humor and charisma to the role of Henessey. His street-smart, sharp-tongued demeanor contrasts well with Davis’s character, creating a dynamic and engaging duo. Many consider Henessey one of Jackson’s standout roles due to his effortless comedic timing and natural chemistry with Davis.
Shane Black’s screenplay is packed with snappy dialogue, dark humor, and intricate storytelling. Known for his signature style in films like LETHAL WEAPON, Black infuses the script with a balance of thrilling action and sharp wit. The exchanges between Samantha and Henessey add an enjoyable layer of humor to the film, making their partnership all the more entertaining. The story delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and redemption while maintaining an electrifying pace that keeps audiences engaged.
Renny Harlin’s direction ensures that the action never slows down. The film boasts a variety of exhilarating sequences, from high-speed car chases to brutal hand-to-hand combat. Each scene is meticulously shot, making the action both intense and visually impressive. Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro contributes to the film’s striking aesthetics, enhancing the overall cinematic experience with dynamic framing and lighting.
The musical score by Alan Silvestri complements the film’s energetic tone, amplifying both the suspense and the emotional moments. His composition effectively heightens the tension during pivotal scenes while adding a sense of urgency to the action.
Upon its release, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT received a mixed critical reception. While some critics, such as Roger Ebert, acknowledged the film’s technical brilliance, others felt that it lacked depth beyond its action-packed spectacle. Nevertheless, the film found favor with audiences, earning a respectable 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving an "A-" CinemaScore from moviegoers. Though it only grossed around $33 million in the U.S. and Canada and approximately $62 million worldwide, its reputation has grown over the years. Many attribute its underwhelming box office performance to marketing challenges and tough competition at the time.
Over time, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT has achieved cult status, with fans praising its unique blend of humor, action, and strong character development. It has also earned a place as an unconventional holiday film, thanks to its Christmas setting, drawing comparisons to DIE HARD.
Reflecting on the film, both Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson have expressed their fondness for their roles. Davis has stated that playing Charly Baltimore remains one of her most memorable experiences, citing the character’s depth and complexity. Jackson, too, has named THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT as one of his personal favorites. Director Renny Harlin has echoed similar sentiments, considering it one of his most satisfying projects due to its strong screenplay and multi-dimensional characters.
In retrospect, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT remains a testament to the high-energy action films of the 1990s. Combining thrilling set pieces with sharp writing and memorable performances, it stands out as an entertaining and well-crafted addition to the genre. Its themes of rediscovery and reinvention, coupled with its relentless action, make it a film worth revisiting. For fans of action-packed cinema, it delivers an engaging mix of excitement, humor, and heart, securing its place as a hidden gem in the action-thriller category.
Bonus Materials
- Limited edition packaging with a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley
- Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Clem Bastow, Richard Kadrey, Maura McHugh, and Priscilla Page
- Seasonal postcard
- Thin Ice sticker
- Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films from the original 35mm negative approved by director Renny Harlin
- 4K Ultra HD (2160p) presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
- Original DTS-HD MA 5.1, stereo 2.0. and new Dolby Atmos audio options
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Brand new audio commentary by film critic Walter Chaw
- Brand new audio commentary by film critics Drusilla Adeline and Joshua Conkel, co-hosts of the Bloodhaus podcast
- Theatrical trailer
- Image gallery
- Symphony of Destruction, a new interview with stunt co-ordinator Steve Davidson
- Long Live the New Flesh, a new interview with make-up artist Gordon J. Smith
- Girl Interrupted, a new interview with actress Yvonne Zima
- Amnesia Chick, a new visual essay by film scholar Josh Nelson
- The Mirror Crack’d, a new visual essay by critic and filmmaker Howard S. Berger
- A Woman’s World, a new visual essay by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Deleted scenes
- Archive promotional interviews with with director Renny Harlin and stars Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson and Craig Bierko
- Making Of, an archive promotional featurette
- Behind the Scenes, archive EPK footage from the filming of The Long Kiss Goodnight