The Big Kahuna

The Big Kahuna (1999)

  • 74% of critics liked it
    (76 reviews)

  • 65% of users liked it
    (7,698 ratings)

Three salesmen working for a firm that makes industrial lubricants are waiting in the company's "hospitality suite" at a manufacturers' convention for a "big kahuna" named Dick Fuller to show up, in hopes they can persuade him to place an order that could salvage the company's flagging sales. Phil… More

R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By
John Swanbeck
Written By
Roger Rueff
Genres
Drama, Comedy
In Theaters
Apr 28, 2000 Wide
On DVD
Aug 29, 2000
Lions Gate Films

Critic Reviews

  • Paul Tatara, CNN.com

    You probably don't need to run out to a theater to see The Big Kahuna.

  • Jay Carr, Boston Globe

    It's no meal, but it'll tide you over.

  • Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

    Sometimes good, or even almost-great acting, isn't enough.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Sharp-edged, perfectly timed, funny and thoughtful.

  • Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    Spacey and DeVito are at the top of their game.

Read all 10 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Melvin W


    Larry Mann: Did you mention perhaps what line of industrial lubricants Jesus would have endorsed?  "Every sale begins with a smile." The Big Kahuna is one of those one room, all dialogue movies. If you can't take a lot of conversation in movies, this is definitely not… More

  • Lucas M


    Wonderful! A simple and terrific film that is very well written and bring three good actors. Fresh.

  • Film C


    I dont get it! Like its a good movie if you base it on Spaceys an Devitos acting and the fact it is wel written in the comedy part wth a few really good laugh out loud moments and the story is ok i understand there after a big sale but i dont understand why a guy whose really… More

  • Tsubaki S


    Well written and acted dialogue-driven film, something rare these days, about the dog-eats-dog world of big company business. It does get preachy towards the end, and way too religious, but it's still an enjoyable ride. With the 3 leads very spot on in their roles.

  • Michael G


    Pretty disappointing. Film versions of plays are either incredible or a total dud. This wasn't one of the incredible ones.

Read all 10 featured audience ratings

Cast

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