Casino Jack (2010)

It really wasn't until "The Usual Suspects" (1995) that I really noticed Kevin Spacey, and from then on I really looked at him as one of the very best actors in Hollywood. That doesn't mean I've always appreciated the movies he's selected to appear in, but -- like Jack Nicholson -- even in a bad film, Spacey is interesting to watch.And so, when this film came on cable, I thought I'd watch a bit of it just to enjoy a Spacey performance, but I had no intention of watching the whole film. But, as usual, the joy of watching Spacey act pulled me in and I watched it all...and I'm glad I did. That's not to say this is a great film. It's not. But it's better than average...perhaps.The first strength is in Spacey's performance. Flawless, as it almost always is. And what is Spacey's strength. In my view, much the same as the strength in Spencer Tracy's mature performances -- understatement.Barry Pepper is also excellent as a fellow conspirator of Abramoff's. Jon Lovitz...well, I can't quite decide how I feel about his performance as a sleaze ball, but at the very least he was interesting. No one else in the film stands out in my mind, but everyone does their job.To enjoy this film, you have to either like Spacy or enjoy politics...or both. Recommended, though I doubt this will end up on your DVD shelf.

Do political systems corrupt their participants or do the participants corrupt the systems? Casino Jack, while not resolving this issue, certainly does a commendable job of exploring it.This excellent film examines the Jack Abramoff scandal, this political era's answer to Watergate. Abramoff, as you know, extorted clients, bribed congressional representatives, and lied to just about everyone, including loved ones. The movie uses real names, actual incidents, genuine dialogue, and an apparently liberal dose of cinematic license to capture the abject greed of Abramoff and his criminal cohort, Michael Scanlon. The scandal ultimately resulted in House Majority Leader, Tom De Lay, Congressman Robert Ney, and Abramoff falling from grace and into criminal courts. Scanlon, according to the film, has copped a deal that has at least delayed his imprisonment and probably mitigated its length.Kevin Spacey is effective in portraying Abramoff's seemingly devout Judaism juxtaposed against his obsessive greed. Barry Pepper's intense portrayal of Michael Scanlon highlights in compelling fashion the depths to which some people will go to accommodate their insatiable lust for money. On the other hand, Jon Lovitz' performance seems to reflect an indecision oh his part whether to play the role of a mob linked businessman either straight or comical, and as a result he essentially does neither.De Ley, played by Spencer Garrett, whose performance as one of John Dillinger's fellow robbers in Public Enemies was so effective, is exposed as cynically and unrepentantly corrupt. In real life De Ley was convicted of corruption and sentenced to several years in prison. Ditto for Mr. Ney. And even more ditto for Abramoff.The film is taken from the vantage point that the viewer is watching the events as they unfold, as opposed to other political scandal films such as All The President's Men. That movie showed us Watergate through the eyes of reporters. I think you know their names.What is so galling is the fact that all of the key players in the Abramoff scandal were heartlessly immune to what was in the public's best interest. This film makes that fact clearly and convincingly. Spacey's Abramoff is so cunning and cynical that he doesn't see the disconnect in using the millions of dollars that he extorted from his Indian tribe clients to donate to charity. Scanlon doesn't pay back his student loans, but he can afford to purchase a luxury home in Dubai.You can't have a system without people. And let's face it, in any system there will be corrupt people. Casino Jack show us just how corrupt some of those people can be.

You can bet that "Casino Jack" is a bit over dramatized with its take on Washington DC Lobbyist Jack Abramoff's illegal maneuvers in peddling influence and corruption for self-interest monetary gains. However, Director George Hickenlooper did an admirable job in keeping it very entertaining, especially with the hackneyed subject matter of corruption being its central premise. Kevin Spacey was spectacular as Abramoff, and more of Hollywood should have lobbied for Spacey for a Best Actor Oscar nomination. He did garner a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for his lauded performance. I could not envision another actor portraying Abramoff with the same flair and demeanor as the consistent Spacey. Even his infamous impersonations were incorporated very authentically and entertainingly within the Abramoff role. Abramoff and his partner in crime Michael "Scandal" Scanlon (ok, so I threw in the Scandal in there, too tempting) were responsible in using their political influence to manipulate & overcharge gaming-owing native groups and others for their minimal lobbyist services; in other words, power abusing scams at its apex. Barry Pepper was stellar with his performance as the conniving and vainglorious Scanlon. Jon Lovitz was a trip as the film's primary comic character Adam Kidan, an alcoholic Jewish mattress-business owner who is utilized by Abramoff and Scanlon to front shady sea cruise business negotiations. Kidan throws in the funniest lines of the movie, and I am not kidan, I mean kidding. The ageless Kelly Preston was in fine form (in more ways than one, oh Mr. Travolta is a lucky man) with her portrayal as Abramoff's wife Pam. And I absolutely chuckled and was mesmerized with Maury Chaykin's scene-stealing supporting work as the Mafioso Big Tony. Chaykin has been called the Canadian Marlon Brando, and performances like this justify that comparison. I just wished we had more of Maury in "Casino Jack". Norman Snider's screenplay had tons of homage for 70's Hollywood classic films and its fill of political satire. So yea, good job Norman. "Casino Jack" is not a jackpot bonanza of a movie, but it is in the cards that you will be surprisingly entertained about a film that its central character is a political scumbag (no, I am not referring to the George Bush bio flick "W") I am referring to this movie I just reviewed, "Casino Jack". **** Good

Kevin Spacey is truly an actor to adore. The Two-Time Academy-Award Winner has proved his talent time and again. In 'Casino Jack', he gets even better and delivers a superb performance. 'Casino Jack' is based on Jack Abramoff. Abramoff, is one of the most notorious lobbyist's ever. 'Casino Jack', however focuses, on the time when Abramoff & his protégé went down hard...as their schemes to peddle influence lead to corruption and a brutal murder. Director George Hickenlooper does a good job, while Norman Snider's writing is flawed. The writing in the first hour is spot-on, but in the second hour, it falters. Even the culmination for that matter, doesn't leave the desired impact. Acting wise, as told, Spacey owns the film. He plays Abramoff superbly. He truly is an Icon! Barry Pepper is Excellent. On the whole, 'Casino Jack' can be viewed once, for it's lead star's performance. Must for Spacey Fans!