The Whole Nine Yards (2000) is a crime comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, and Michael Clarke Duncan. Released on February 18, 2000, by Warner Bros., the film masterfully blends elements of comedy, suspense, and romance. It centers around the life of a mild-mannered dentist who finds himself unexpectedly entangled in the dangerous world of organized crime.
The plot follows Nicholas "Oz" Oseransky, portrayed by Matthew Perry, a dentist living in Montreal whose life takes a chaotic turn when his new neighbor, Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski (played by Bruce Willis), is revealed to be a notorious hitman with a bounty on his head. Oz's marital troubles are compounded by his wife Sophie (Rosanna Arquette), who is unhappy in their relationship and conspires to have him killed. As Oz navigates this treacherous situation, he becomes reluctantly involved with Jimmy and his estranged wife, Cynthia (Natasha Henstridge). The stakes rise dramatically as Oz learns about a $10 million trust that both Jimmy and Janni Gogolak (Kevin Pollak), a mob boss seeking revenge on Jimmy, are after. The film's title refers to the phrase "the whole nine yards," which signifies going all out for something.
Upon its release, The Whole Nine Yards received mixed reviews from critics but performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $106 million worldwide. While some critics noted that the film had a charming cast and moments of humor, they also pointed out that it struggled to maintain consistent comedic momentum throughout its runtime. Roger Ebert remarked on the film's entertaining quality despite its flaws, highlighting the actors' apparent enjoyment during filming as a key element of its appeal.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Bruce Willis as Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski and Matthew Perry as Nicholas "Oz" Oseransky. Other notable performances come from Amanda Peet as Jill, Rosanna Arquette as Sophie Oseransky, Michael Clarke Duncan as Frankie Figs, and Natasha Henstridge as Cynthia Tudeski. Their chemistry and comedic timing contribute significantly to the film's overall charm.
In conclusion, The Whole Nine Yards remains notable for its unique blend of comedy and crime elements, showcasing strong performances from its talented cast. The film's intriguing premise and character dynamics help solidify its status as a memorable entry in early 2000s cinema. A sequel titled The Whole Ten Yards was released in 2004, further exploring the characters' misadventures and adding to the legacy of this entertaining film.