Kevin Spacey in "Casino Jack""

When Negotiating Becomes Your Only Way of Life

The remarkably talented Kevin Spacey may be up for his third Academy Award nomination in 2010 as his performance in “Casino Jack” is nothing short of impressive. Spacey won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in “The Usual Suspects” (1995) and Best Actor for his role in “American Beauty” (1999).

Spacey sets the tone right from the start with his superficial cynicism. As he stares into a dirty mirror while brushing his teeth, Spacey speaks loudly and confidently as if he is rehearsing to give the speech of his lifetime. He simply refuses to stoop down to mediocrity, “…It is the elephant in the room. In your school, your dreams, your family - you’re either a big leaguer or a slave crawling your way along the “C” train. I will not allow my family to be slaves…”

Inspired by true events, Spacey executes the ultimate demise of real-life Washington D.C. lobbyist and businessman, Jack Abramoff. In 2006, Abramoff pled guilty to charges of defrauding four American Indian tribes and the corruption of public officials.

The film begins with Abramoff in jail while the remainder is a harsh flashback. Throughout the film, Abramoff takes advantage of the system and uses it for his own financial gain. He cheats Native American tribes out of millions of dollars basically telling them that he will “represent” them better and put them back on the map, “trying to help these people empower themselves.” As his bank account continues to grow bigger so does his head. Combined with his greed, Abramoff heads into a downward spiral while surprising audiences with an unimaginable new level of conning and scheming.

If the previous synopsis hasn’t put things into perspective how about Abramoff’s business partner, Michael Scanlon (played by Barry Pepper who is best known in “Saving Private Ryan” 1998) telling Abramoff, “They’re calling us the new Watergate, Jack.”

After signing on a mob-connected friend, Adam (Jon Lovitz “Saturday Night Live”), to help in one of their craziest schemes yet, both Abramoff and Scanlon finally realize what seemed like a well-thought-out plan is now spinning out of control. This launches them to yet another level - mafia assassins and murder.

Although Spacey stars alongside a handful of talented actors including Kelly Preston, (“The Last Song” 2010) who plays his wife, Spacey single handedly steals the show. His cockiness is paired with his random wit, keeping audiences on their toes and wanting more.

Abramoff, himself, was a Hollywood film producer back in the day therefore he recites movie quotes throughout the film. They appear to lighten the mood whenever he’s in an awkward situation.

Director, George Hickenlooper does a respectable job taking audiences into a part of D.C. most never knew existed. Unfortunately, on October 29th Hickenlooper died in his sleep due to a number of factors still to be determined. His past work includes the film “Factory Girl” (2006) along with several documentaries such as “Hick Town” (2009) and “Out in the City” (2009).

This is a highly entertaining film but certainly not the best candidate for family movie night. Profanity, violence and brief nudity are what earn “Casino Jack” the “R” rating.

Bottom Line – I had a few flashbacks of Spacey’s last hotheaded character in the movie, “21” (2008) but “Casino Jack” takes it up a notch. I felt some parts went too fast, which could lead to some confusion so it certainly wouldn’t hurt to read up on the real Jack Abramoff prior to viewing.

Jessica Aymond © December 31, 2010