Based on the play HOSPITALITY SUITE by Roger Rueff, the film practically takes place entirely in the hospitality suite of a hotel in Wichita, Kansas, during an industrial lubricant convention.
Phil Cooper (Danny DeVito, RUTHLESS PEOPLE) is a veteran of the company and has developed a calm distance from the tensions of the job. Bob Walker (Peter Facinelli, RIDNIG IN CARS WITH BOYS) is a very religious newbie. Larry Mann (Kevin Spacey, AMERICAN BEAUTY) is a verbose salesman, who is quite blunt. The goal for these men is to land a meeting with “The Big Kahuna” of the biggest industrial company in the Mid-West.
The story is a well-observed character study of the three main men. It deals with issues of character, sincerity and religion.
Spacey is good as usual. Facinelli holds his own. But DeVito shines like I’ve never seen before. This is one – if not the best – performance of his career. It doesn’t hurt that the role is so good. The story isn’t revolutionary, but it is smart and well written. However, the main reason to see this film is the actors making the most of the material.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
