The Whole Nine Yards (released in theaters on Feb. 18, 2000), directed by Jonathan Lynn, is a zany, high-energy dark comedy that perfectly bridges the gap between 90s crime thrillers and the screwball farces of old Hollywood. Set against the picturesque but deceptively quiet backdrop of suburban Montreal, the film thrives on a relentless pace and a series of increasingly absurd escalations.
It is a rare example of a “hitman comedy” that manages to be genuinely violent yet consistently charming, anchored by a unique pairing of two of the era’s biggest television and film icons.
The story follows Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky (Matthew Perry), a depressed, debt-ridden dentist living in Canada with his hateful wife, Sophie (Rosanna Arquette), and equally unpleasant mother-in-law.
Oz’s mundane life is shattered when a new neighbor moves in next door: Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (Bruce Willis), a notorious contract killer who recently testified against the Chicago mob.
Recognizing Jimmy from the news, Oz befriends him, but Sophie sees an opportunity; she forces Oz to go to Chicago to “rat out” Jimmy to the mob boss Janni Gogolak (Kevin Pollak) for a finder’s fee.
While in Chicago, Oz finds himself caught in a web of betrayal involving Janni’s massive enforcer, Franklin “Frankie Figs” Figueroa (Michael Clarke Duncan), and Jimmy’s estranged, beautiful wife, Cynthia (Natasha Henstridge).
To make matters more chaotic, Oz’s dental assistant, Jill (Amanda Peet), reveals she is actually an aspiring assassin who idolizes Jimmy.
As a local undercover cop (Harland Williams) starts poking around, Oz must navigate a lethal game of double-crosses.
The narrative builds to a frantic climax involving dental records, body swaps, and a high-stakes standoff where Oz must decide if he has the stomach to play the “whole nine yards” to save his own life and find true love.
Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry in The Whole Nine Yards (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for The Whole Nine Yards
The Whole Nine Yards grossed $15.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, topping Hanging Up ($15.7 million) by $200,ooo.
The film would remain atop the box office for its first three weeks en route to grossing $106.4 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave The Whole Nine Yards three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Whole Nine Yards‘ legacy lies in its status as a massive box-office hit that solidified Perry’s ability to lead a feature film outside of Friends. His physical comedy and “nervous energy” provided the perfect foil to Willis’ cool, understated menace.
The film is also remembered for the breakout performance of Peet, whose infectious enthusiasm for contract killing became a fan-favorite element of the story.
Furthermore, the film’s legacy persists through its successful sequel and its role in popularizing the “suburban noir” comedy subgenre.
The Whole Nine Yards remains a staple of cable television and streaming, celebrated for its witty script and the effortless chemistry of its ensemble cast and it stands as a nostalgic reminder of a time when original, mid-budget comedies could still dominate the cultural conversation.
