"Casino Jack," a Movie Without a Single Hero--Review
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"Capitol Punishment": Abramoff Proudly Describes his Modus Operandi
Robert Frank in the February 2012 Harper's reviews Jack Abramoff's recently published unapologetic autobiography. Here is one of the most revealing passages from Frank's review of Abramoff's book.
"The supremely interesting chapter of the superlobbyist's life goes conspicuously unmentioned in Capitol Punishment. Still, the episode appears to have left its traces. Abramoff's Washington is a place where everyone is a pawn of someone else: a bought man or even an 'asset' of some lobbyist or all-powerful interest. When he would dangle a lucrative lobbying job before a Capitol Hill staffer, Abramoff tells us, 'I would own him...His paycheck may have been signed by the Congress, but he was already working for me, influencing his office for my client's best interests.'"
Casino Jack is a commercial for campaign finance reform, a movie without a hero about the K Street-Congressional nest of vipers. Kevin Spacey provided his usual competent performance as the megalomaniac. super-lobbyist, Jack Abramoff. As A.O. Scott said, he other prominent Washington figures in the movie--Tom DeLay, Bob Ney, Ohio Congressman, Karl Rove, Grover Norquist, Robert Reed were overshadowed by Abramoff's partners in crime, Michael Scanlon, played as a clueless loonie by Barry Pepper and the horny shyster, Adam Kidan, played by Jon Lovitz. Abramoff's attractive wife, Pam, was played sympathetically by Kelly Preston.
The docudrama is a must see for political junkies and will be enjoyed also by general audiences. Too bad it's unlikely that many people will see this independent movie directed by George Hickenlooper and written by Norman Snider.
“Casino Jack” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Obscene language, obscene corruption and a little skin, too.
12-16-10NYTimes--Casino Jack Review by A.O. Scott
- Movie Review - \'Casino Jack\' - Casino Jack Tells Jack Abramoffs Story - Review - NYTimes.com
In Mr. Spaceys wily, aggressive performance Abramoff comes across as self-aggrandizing to the point of delusion, a man for whom commitment to the conservative cause, vanity and and simple greed become harder and harder to tell apart.
Casino Jack Review by Roger Ebert
- Casino Jack Review by Roger Ebert
The story can be summarized: Abramoff was a dutiful family man and Republican standard bearer who defrauded Indian tribes out of millions to lobby for their casinos. That enriched him and partner Michael Scanlon and a good many members of Congress.
11-13-11NYTimes--Out of Jail, Casino Jack's Multimedia Comeback Effort
- Jack Abramoff Making a Multimedia Effort at Redemption - NYTimes.com
At 53, Jack Abramoff is pursuing a comeback he started planning even before going off to prison for crimes including corrupting members of Congress.
TPM--Tom DeLay Just Sentenced to 3 Years in Jail
- Tom DeLay Sentenced To Prison | TPMMuckraker
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been sentenced to three years in prison, the AP and the Austin-American Statesman are reporting. Texas Judge Pat Priest handed down the sentence this afternoon in an Austin courtroom. DeLay was convic
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Sounds like a good movie. Also sounds like more reason for me to remain "apolitical".
Thanks for the review!
Still need to see this.
Another real man's movie! I'll probably let it warp my brain a little, maybe it'll straighten me out! Who knows? Or it will just make me depressed and more bitter about the corruptive trends. or possibly, I'll want to have a 5th career as an investigative reporter, etc. but no, not that inciteful or competitive as these wizards. Without your urging, Ralph, I'd probably have just let it pass me on by.
It's not a likely Oscar candidate, but I think you'll like it.
Its just not a hero providing story, except for the whistleblowers.
Out of jail, Casino Jack Abramoff is Attempting a Comeback.
Robert Frank in the February 2012 Harper's reviews Jack Abramoff's recently published unapologetic autobiography. Here is one of the most revealing passages from Frank's review of Abramoff's book.
Here's how lobbying works in Washington and in state capitols around the country, in the words of "Casino Jack" Abramoff in his recently published unrepentant autobiography:
"The supremely interesting chapter of the superlobbyist's life goes conspicuously unmentioned in Capitol Punishment. Still, the episode appears to have left its traces. Abramoff's Washington is a place where everyone is a pawn of someone else: a bought man or even an 'asset' of some lobbyist or all-powerful interest. When he would dangle a lucrative lobbying job before a Capitol Hill staffer, Abramoff tells us, 'I would own him...His paycheck may have been signed by the Congeress, but he was already working for me, influencing his office for my client's best interests.'"
Harvey Stelman 16 months ago
and back to politics. Stay tuned, it's two minutes for a commercial. I haven't been to a movie since, Maverick! H