Review of Casino Jack (2010) by Brandon S — 24 Jul 2012

Super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff cons Washington power players and Native casino owners.

"My name is Jack Abramoff, and I work out every day.".

Kevin Spacey chews the scenery to bits, and what would be heavy-handed bullshit in the hands of another actor is just good fun for Spacey. Roger Maris and Jon Lovitz try to keep up, but Spacey's personality and character are almost too much to eclipse. I can't say that it's a good performance, but it's entertaining.

Structured like a basic crime drama, what makes Casino Jack interesting is Abramoff's blissful ignorance of the corruption in which he's a central player. Though the film could have done more to show the victims of his crimes, it's almost as though Abramoff's personality overshadows his negative effects - a result that likely mirrors what it's like to be around the real Abramoff.

Overall, the film is imbalanced, but if you want to see Kevin Spacey have fun being an actor, this is the film for you.