The Big Kahuna

1999
R
1h 30m

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

15K

YOUR RATING

Home Video Trailer from Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Play trailer1:34

1 Video

62 Photos

Comedy Drama

Two veteran salesmen dissect a sales pitch to a particular client, through their young protégé.Two veteran salesmen dissect a sales pitch to a particular client, through their young protégé.Two veteran salesmen dissect a sales pitch to a particular client, through their young protégé.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

15K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination total

Phil Cooper
(as Danny Devito)

Peter Facinelli

Bob Walker

Paul Dawson

Bellboy

Christopher Donahue

Bartender
(uncredited)

Ron Komora

The Big Kahuna
(uncredited)

Frank L. Messina

Business Man
(uncredited)

George F. Miller

Hotel Patron Leaving Lobby
(uncredited)

Jen Taylor

Mrs. Jen Johnson
(uncredited)

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Kevin Spacey's character, Larry Mann is a salesman that talks about manipulating clients throughout the movie. At about the 34 minute mark he wears the hat featured in the movie's poster and is apparently pitching to a group of clients. The pitch is inaudible since there's music playing, a trumpet-orchestra version of Henry Mancini's theme for Charade (1963) which starred Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, a movie that revolved around lies, deception and deceit.

Goofs
When Larry attacks Bob he pushes him on a table with food and juice glasses. But when Bob gets up a moment later there are no stains on the back of his white shirt.

Quotes
Larry Mann: There are people in this world, Bob, who look very official while they are doing what they are doing. And do you know why?
Bob Walker: Why?
Larry Mann: Because they don't know what they are doing. Because if you know what you are doing, then you don't have to look like you know what you are doing, because it comes naturally.

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Battlefield Earth/The Big Kahuna/Hamlet/Michael Jordan to the Max/Center Stage (2000)

Soundtracks
Hey Pachuco!
Written by Eddie Nichols, James Achor & Mando Dorame
Performed by Royal Crown Revue
Published by Zip Gun Music, J. Achor Music & Dorame Music
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By arrangement with Warner Special Products

User reviews164

Review

Featured review

This was a David Mamet Wanna-be

This film was a David Mamet wanna-be. It lacks the twisted and subtle inter-personal relationships that would be necessary to bring life to an endlessly hard driving dialogue. This emptiness was emphasized by Kevin Spacey who is usually a master of this genre when backed up with the right script and direction. Consequence: this picture demanded my attention for no good reason. I'd give it a 6.