Real life stories can succesfully be used for comedies. It’s something which I Love You Philip Morris has already proved. Casino Jack is a comedy which is based on real events, in this case the story of Jack Abramoff, a superlobbyist. As a viewer you are introduced in his world, in which there don’t seem to be any boundaries and in which presents and envelopes with money are just ways to do business. Jack Abramoff is constantly on the edge of what is allowed and makes some decisions which push him over it.
Together with Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) they decide to try and get a lot of money from a group of indians by telling them there is going to be competition from another tribe and that they are able to make it go away if they pay them the right amount. Abramoff, a wonderful role by Kevin Spacey, has created his own empire, including his own restaurants. When he decides to also get involved in buying a casino cruise ship the risks are getting too big.
I really enjoyed this movie as both Pepper and Abramoff are constantly quoting other movies. I though Spacey’s imitation of Walter Matthau was spot on. He’s apparently a big fan of Red Scorpion as well, as he has the poster in both his office and home. It’s the little things which made me enjoy the movie, despite the serious subject. The feeling of success that Abramoff and Pepper enjoy is something you which has been brought to the screen convincingly. It’s a feeling I also get from movies like Wall Street and Boiler Room. As a viewer you secretly hope that they will not get caught, although you know that something has to go wrong eventually.
With very strong acting and an interesting, but also funny story it is a good movie, which I recommend you should see.
Score: 8