20, 50 or 100 years from now, when someone wants to show clips of the greatest actor to have been working at the turn of the century, they'll be editing together the work of Kevin Spacey. His acting consistently charms and amazes. He is, without much doubt, the greatest actor that America has to offer these days. "The Big Kahuna" is an acting tour-de- force that continues to leave no room for doubt about this.

Luckily for us, Spacey shares this cinematic stage with two fine actors. Danny Devito turns in what must be his best performance in quite a while. Devito, perhaps, doesn't get enough credit. He's excellent here. That should really come as no surprise. Meanwhile, Peter Facinelli rounds out the trio of characters that makes up the meat of "Kahuna." He too is perfection. Watching these guys eschew the scenery is nothing short of pure theatrical delight.

Based on a stage play called "Hospitality Suite" by Roger Rueff, who writes the script here, the film concerns three businessmen at a convention. Far from being consumed by the hedonistic delights often pursued at such functions, our group here is deeply involved with trying to get a huge account. Or at least two of them are. Facinelli's Bob may have an agenda of his own. The GM of the company, whom they are trying to "pitch" to is the titular "Big Kahuna."

This film goes nowhere near where you expect it to. It ends up far left of Mamet country even though there is an obvious nod to that playwright. It's just a beautiful script. And it's acted out with such marvellous distinction by it's cast. It's a wonderful film. If you love great plays, if you love great scripts, if you love great acting, then this is a film you will cherish. And what it says. Wow! The message is so smooth and so complex that I am still taking it all in two days after the event.

Trouble is, like "Glenn Gary Glennross" and Spacey's former foray into non-Mamet Mamet country, "Hurly Burly," the film may be ignored by the general public. There are no car chases or bloodlettings or guns exploding. There is one minor scuffle, a poof of action before order and reason are restored, and further explored.

"The Big Kahuna" is a simple film really. Rueff and Director John Swanbeck should be congratulated for allowing the film to unfold just as a play might. There are no elaborate sets, no real scene changes, no location shots. Almost all the action takes place in one room. The claustrophobia is never as omnipresent as the overwhelming focus of the characters. Watching them snake ever so carefully through this precious script is just beautiful to experience.

Spacey should win an Academy Award for his work here. So should Devito. Facinelli should become a household name.

These things probably won't come true. But they should.

Note:

Spacey is also a Producer of the film.

The Baz Luhrman songs about "Sunscreen" wraps up the finale of the film and continues over the end credits for no real good reason. It cheapens the effect of the film.

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