"Casino" Jack Abramoff is the Super Lobbyist, or at least he was before his career came crashing down under federal indictments in 2006. Casino Jack, directed by the late George Hickenlooper, details the quick rise and subsequent fall of Washington's most notable lobbyist, together with an outstanding performance by Kevin Spacey. The screening at the Virginia Film Festival was heavy-hearted, as the audience had learned just the week before of Hickenlooper's death in Denver at age 47. His other films are not as notable, with his most popular being Factory Girl (2006), and sadly enough, he saved his best work for last in Casino Jack.
Casino is based on the true story of Jack Abramoff, the infamous K-Street lobbyist who had direct access to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, various congressmen and even President George W. Bush. The title of the film is fitting, as Abramoff promised American Indian tribes Congressional votes to allow various Indian casinos, although he eventually defrauded them out of tens of millions of dollars. A subplot also involves Abramoff's eventually successful attempt to purchase SunCruz Casinos, a Florida cruise line, from Adam Kidan (Jon Lovitz).
Spacey delivers one of his best performances in his signature funny yet ruthless demeanor. Even though the opening screen tells the audience that the film is based on actual events, the idiocy of those involved left me realizing that truth can be stranger - and more humorous - than fiction. The plot escalates quickly during Jack's golfing trip in Scotland. He and his partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) begin to realize they can charge their clients excessive retainer fees to ensure their bills survive in Congress.
As the money starts to roll in from the Chippewas and Choctaws, Abramoff starts to dream of bigger and better things. He opens two restaurants and breaks ground on a Jewish Academy for children. Scanlon begins to blow his money the more traditional way, spending it on overpriced homes, cars and women. Abramoff is able to live the life that all lobbyists dream about. He has access to the Oval Office, the Majority Leader on speed dial, a beautiful wife (Kelly Preston) and all the money a man could want. By the end, both the audience and the lobbyists realize it is all too good to be true. The house of cards comes tumbling down, leaving Abramoff to face years in federal prison while his wife and five children are left on the outside.
Certain subtleties throughout the film make Casino Jack hilarious. The narcissism of the two bumbling lawyers, the consistent hypocritical references to Abramoff's Hasidic Judaism and the inclusion of Jon Lovitz leave the audience laughing. I would not classify this as a true comedy, but the mood is kept light-hearted. Casino Jack hits theaters Dec. 17 - coincidentally two weeks after Abramoff's release from prison. But even though the movie was enjoyable, I could see how some might not have been as interested as me. The subject may be a turnoff for those who are less than fascinated with the details of inside-the-Beltway politics. Casino Jack is not a "must-see" but it was still fun, and I would not be surprised if the film and Kevin Spacey sneak out of this Awards season with some hardware.
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