'CASINO JACK': Three Stars (Out of Five)
Political comedy loosely based on Washington, D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his conviction for fraud, among other things. Kevin Spacy stars as Abramoff and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his decent but not outstanding performance. The film co-stars Barry Pepper and Jon Lovitz in impressive supporting roles. It was written by Norman Snider and directed by George Hickenlooper, who died seven weeks before it's national release date.
The film is a Hollywood biography detailing Jack Abramoff's corrupt career which led him as well as nine other lobbyists, congressional staffers and a couple White House officials to convictions and prison sentences. Pepper co-stars as Michael Scanlon, Abramoff's protégé and partner for most of the scandal. The two spearheaded a conspiracy which involved fraud and the extortion of Native Americans as well as the bribing of public officials for political favors. The film is played out in a dark comedic way but it's subject matter is depressing and disturbing, which makes for a somewhat odd and misguided film.
The performances are mostly impressive but I don't think it's one of Spacey's better works, and certainly undeserving of any award nominations (but his career has been a little disappointing lately, I think he's a little too full of himself). The directing is adequate but as I said probably the wrong tone for the material. That's greatly due to the script as well which is kind of witty and clever but uneven and a little too all over the place. The politics are interesting and of course depressing and the film is especially dark because there's no one to root for or care about, with the exception of possibly Kelly Preston who plays Jack Abramoff's wife and Graham Greene who plays a SubChief of a victimized Indian tribe (but their characters are too small and underdeveloped). The film has some strengths and is a little entertaining but it's mostly a miss.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j95Zjdlcbe0
Political comedy loosely based on Washington, D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his conviction for fraud, among other things. Kevin Spacy stars as Abramoff and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his decent but not outstanding performance. The film co-stars Barry Pepper and Jon Lovitz in impressive supporting roles. It was written by Norman Snider and directed by George Hickenlooper, who died seven weeks before it's national release date.
The film is a Hollywood biography detailing Jack Abramoff's corrupt career which led him as well as nine other lobbyists, congressional staffers and a couple White House officials to convictions and prison sentences. Pepper co-stars as Michael Scanlon, Abramoff's protégé and partner for most of the scandal. The two spearheaded a conspiracy which involved fraud and the extortion of Native Americans as well as the bribing of public officials for political favors. The film is played out in a dark comedic way but it's subject matter is depressing and disturbing, which makes for a somewhat odd and misguided film.
The performances are mostly impressive but I don't think it's one of Spacey's better works, and certainly undeserving of any award nominations (but his career has been a little disappointing lately, I think he's a little too full of himself). The directing is adequate but as I said probably the wrong tone for the material. That's greatly due to the script as well which is kind of witty and clever but uneven and a little too all over the place. The politics are interesting and of course depressing and the film is especially dark because there's no one to root for or care about, with the exception of possibly Kelly Preston who plays Jack Abramoff's wife and Graham Greene who plays a SubChief of a victimized Indian tribe (but their characters are too small and underdeveloped). The film has some strengths and is a little entertaining but it's mostly a miss.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j95Zjdlcbe0