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| Movie Review: Casino Jack Alternate Title: Take the Money and Run
Story: This was a very busy
and uneven film considering how important a subject it covered. Director
George Hickenlooper and writer Norman Snider
chose to make the Jack Abramoff, super-lobbyist scandal
more of an action, caper film than a documentary. It did not work for
me. Alex Gibney's recent documentary, Casino
Jack and the United States of Money was a better choice.
Perhaps I have no sense of humor when it comes to influence peddling
and abuse of power. If you are not familiar with this political scandal
(and as time marches on, fewer people will remember) Jack Abramoff took
the profession of lobbying to new heights of corruption and influence.
His shenanigans under the George W, Bush administration's realm ultimately
sent him off to prison and disgraced a few other politicos (not enough
of them were punished as far as I am concerned). Hickenlooper focus' on two of the many pockets
that Abramoff chose to pick - the American Indian casino scandal and
an off-shore gambling enterprise. As depicted, it is confusing, undeveloped
and does not emphasize the seriousness of his crimes. That said - students of politics like me, might
want to see the film as a reminder of how ugly and corrupt Washington
DC is and remains. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxVJXomfsHo Trivia: George Hickenlooper (May 25, 1963 – October 29,
2010) was an American narrative and documentary filmmaker.His
first feature-length documentary, Hearts of Darkness, explored the making
of Apocalypse Now. It won several awards, including the National Board
of Review award for "Best Documentary", an American Cinema
Editors award for "Best Edited Documentary", two Academy of
Television Arts and Sciences awards for "Outstanding Individual
Achievement – Informational Programming – Directing"
and "Outstanding Individual Achievement – Informational Programming
– Picture Editing", and the International Documentary Association
award. Hickenlooper himself won an Emmy for direction.
Predilection: I like films about politics
Critters: None
Sex Spectrum: No sex but lots of women in various
stages of undress.
Soundtrack: Fun
Opening Titles: The opening sequence features a soliloquy
by Abramoff.. Other than the title all credits are at the end. You get
a glimpse of the real Abramoff during the credit role.
Theater Audience: About 30 other people on an opening
weekend morning.
Weather: No significance.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I squirm at the sliminess of Washington
DC
Drift Factor: I did not drift but I am sure others
will find the film too confusing and will drift.
Predictability Level: If you know the story there
are no surprises.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Either will do.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 6
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