Casino Jack
Casino Jack
R | 17 December 2010 (USA)
Casino Jack Trailers

Based on a true story, a hot shot Washington DC lobbyist and his protégé go down hard as their schemes to peddle influence lead to corruption and murder.

Reviews
GarnettTeenage The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.
Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
Mabel Munoz Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
kosmasp This movie just got released on DVD and Blu Ray this summer (2012) in Germany. I don't know about the rest of the world (though guessing it must have gotten a theatrical release in America, cast and director alone should stand for that), but this is not only 2 years after it's initial making, but also 2 years after its director past away. RIP George Hickenlooper.Kevin Spacey excels in a very eccentric role that is based on a real person (events), though I haven't read up on him to say how much or close this is to reality. The "character" does have quite a few inconsistencies throughout (his goals clash somewhat with his intro mirror monologue), but that might make him intriguing. Of course the moral level is always defined by one owns perspective. That doesn't mean it's right or wrong. Or that some of us wouldn't have done the same things if we had the chance.And that is what the movie is ultimately about. What might seem like a light affair, is actually a deep look into human psyche. It still has a few flaws (not in most of the acting department), but it does work, if you like those sort of movies
TxMike The movie is based on real people and real events. In fact a quick 'net search on Abramoff will give additional background on his crimes and convictions. It also led to Tom Delay, the "hammer", stepping down from his leadership position. Always great Kevin Spacey is super as "super lobbyist" Jack Abramoff. Obviously a very smart guy, the lines between legitimate lobbying and selling influence become very blurred in his vision. He has visions of grandeur and as a result needs more funds than he has available. This leads to his taking huge sums, upwards of $20Million to $30Million from native casinos as a fee to help make sure they are able to continue functioning without significant competition. In turn he uses most of the money for projects, like building a Jewish school, and a number of other illegal uses.Graham Greene (of Northern Exposure fame) is good as Bernie Sprague, the native American who figured out what Jack was all about and helped bring his crimes into investigation. Barry Pepper is good as Michael Scanlon, Jack's friend and co-conspirator who appeared even more easily corruptible than Jack was. Spencer Garrett is good as Tom DeLay.Everyone should see this movie, simply for its inside views of how Washington really works. Plus, it is very entertaining.
napierslogs I have a thing against despicable characters like "right-wing fascist" Jack Abramoff in "Casino Jack". I can almost get over my hesitation when he's played by the always likable Kevin Spacey, almost. It's an unlikable character flanked by more unlikable characters that for the most part make up an unlikable film.Yes, it is a true story about the lobbyist who had Republicans in his back pocket, i.e, his wallet, and it's even an interesting true story. Almost an interesting film. They spent way too long introducing us to this arrogant wheeler-dealer, who of course had many facets including family man and a devout Jew, but then forgetting to tell us why he's so interesting.Despite the lack of focus on why we should be watching, the performances are quite entertaining. Spacey, immensely underrated for his comedic acting ability, delivers witty one-liners as best as anyone. Barry Pepper in what could be a career-defining role comes second only to Spacey in entertainment value and sleaziness. And Jon Lovitz, as always, comes through with comic gold as an obnoxious mob-connected imbecile. But should this movie really be a comedy? With Abramoff out of jail and back on the streets, how funny is that? Alex Gibney's documentary "Casino Jack and the United State of Money" is a better product than this, but neither are as interesting as they should be given the subject.
namashi_1 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!