Kevin Spacey a Golden Globe Front-Runner for "Casino Jack"

Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction, especially when talking about Jack Abramoff. A Washington, D.C. lobbyist, Abramoff was a power player during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, charging clients outrageous fees for his services.

Unfortunately, many companies and politicians soon regretted their dealings with this so-called "super lobbyist." When Abramoff's world came crashing down, he took several people with him, exposing how easily some members of Congress can be influenced.

" Casino Jack ," the final film from notable director George Hickenlooper, takes a brutally honest look at Jack Abramoff and how he went from power player to convict.

Turning in a performance as brilliant as his work in " The Usual Suspects ," Kevin Spacey portrays Jack Abramoff as a fast-talking salesman who is never content with what he has. Though Abramoff has one D.C. restaurant, he feels compelled to open a high-end kosher eatery as well.

As a lobbyist, Abramoff uses slick sales pitches and cash bribes to influence legislators to vote for key issues. Abramoff is not, however, above playing one client against another for his own financial gain.

Business partners like Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) help Abramoff in his questionable dealings. As "Casino Jack" points out, Scanlon likes to fly in private jets and invests his profits in a crumbling mansion. Scanlon also is a skirt-chaser, which ultimately proves to be his undoing.

"Casino Jack" also delves into Abramoff's dealings with the Indian casino interests. Initially, Abramoff represented a handful of tribes, but he later expanded his client list to include two dozen tribes and their gambling concerns.

The late George Hickenlooper shines the harsh light of truth on Jack Abramoff, using congressional hearings, court documents and recorded interviews to create the bulk of this film. Abramoff is such a colorful character, though, that "Casino Jack" also is a highly entertaining film.

Kevin Spacey has a good handle on Abramoff's fractured personality. In the film, Abramoff rationalizes his behavior by showing off his so-called charitable interests. He justifies opening his second restaurant by saying K Street, home to many lobbyist organizations, needs a good kosher place.

Spacey has been nominated for a Golden Globe, but there are other award-worthy performances in "Casino Jack." Jon Lovitz, for instance, is at the top of his game as Adam Kidan, a colleague of Abramoff with also has ties to organized crime.

Under Hickenlooper's thoughtful direction, "Casino Jack" is a cautionary tale that is both hilarious and eye-opening. No screenwriter could ever create characters as outrageous as the real Jack Abramoff and all his shady colleagues, which is kind of scary when you stop and think about it.

"Casino Jack," rated R for pervasive language, some violence and brief nudity, currently is playing in theaters.