Susan Granger’s review of “THE BIG KAHUNA” (Lions Gate Films)
Set in the tacky 16th floor hospitality suite of a hotel in Wichita, Kansas, this is the fascinating tale of the clash of innocence and experience as a trio of Chicago marketing reps for an industrial lubricant company try to land an important account at a Midwest trade convention. Larry (Kevin Spacey) and Phil (Danny DeVito) know their careers are on the line if they can’t close this potentially lucrative deal with an elusive client, while Bob (Peter Facinelli) is a rookie from the research department who holds their future in his inexperienced hands. Their clichŽ-filled banter is bitter, funny, and strangely unsettling. Treading on Glengarry Glen Ross, Hurlyburly, and Waiting for Godot territory, chemical engineer-turned-playwright Roger Rueff has adapted his stage play, Hospitality Suite, into a complex, character-driven screenplay; while his writing is incisive, the conceit of confining the action to one tiny room seems claustrophobic on-screen, yet John Swanbeck’s direction is unerringly effective. Producing this on a budget under $2 million was obviously a labor of love for Kevin Spacey whose edgy energy should be harnessed as a powerful strategic weapon – and his ominous silence is as threatening as his blunt anger. Subdued and convincing, Danny DeVito is equally – if not more – amazing as a jaded, weary veteran, questioning spirituality and looking for answers to “the big questions.” And Peter Facinelli’s crafty innocence as the devoutly Christian, recently married neophyte is right on target. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, The Big Kahuna is a compelling 7, leaving you to draw your own conclusions about the meaning of life and how one’s personal beliefs should affect business dealings.
