Movie Review: Casino Jack

Jack Abramoff is a wheeler dealer climbing the ladder of rising star lobbyists in Washington. Jack’s penchant for famous impressions, impulsive decisions, and lack of concern for consequences leads him into trouble. Jack’s ambitious nature and unrealistic goals cause problems as his lobbyist influence leads to corruption, bad deals, and criminal acts involving big name political figures.

This is the true life story of Jack Abramoff and his fall from top Washington lobbyist to jailed criminal. Casino Jack is a good film, the pacing was a bit slow in the first half of the film and hit its mark in pacing later in the film. I would have liked more emphasis in the script showing how Abramoff became who he was, and his motivations for getting involved in business deals that were beyond dangerous.

Spacey as Washington DC lobbyist Jack Abramoff is great, as always, delving into the psyche of this egotistical yet fractured figure who honestly believes much of what he earns will help those in need. Barry Pepper is excellent as Abramoff’s protege Michael Scanlon whose need for money and power negatively affects his judgement. Jon Lovitz as Abramoff’s sleezy business partner Adam Kidan does sleeze well here, adding to the comedy and edge of the movie.

Casino Jack has political drama, humor, great characters, and a good story, all making it worth watching. If you haven’t seen Casino Jack yet, its a good rent for dark comedy and political intrigue.

2010. Directed by George Hickenlooper. Starring Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Jon Lovitz, Graham Greene, Ruth Marshall, Jeffrey R. Smith, John Robinson, Christian Campbell, and Spencer Garrett.

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