Jeux d'influence

If any actor looks the role - a tough, Jimmy Hoffa-like union boss - it has to be Brian Dennehy, so the filmmakers certainly cast the right guy for the part. Dennehy also has a history playing mean, foul-mouthed villains. Thus, playing the son of the head of a corrupt union family, is right up his alley. Here, he rises to the power via corruption.

Unfortunately the character he plays, "Jackie Presser," is so unlikeable that he makes the movie unpleasant to watch. He chains smokes, too, which doesn't help and he looks, acts and sounds like a profane slob. Two supporting actors in here also can also portray similar slime-balls: Robert Prosky and Eli Wallach.

I'm sorry but I didn't find this made-for HBO film fun to watch. It was nice to see, however, that it was filmed 90 miles away from me up in Toronto, Ontario.

This film is an entertaining watch, not bad for a HBO movie. Denny's performance is good as usual; has a made in Canada feel, my guess probably Toronto. Toronto seem to substitute for many American cities. The film has a gutsy, realistic feel to it, and is made honestly. It you like reading books on these issues, you will like this film. Not a great film but I would watch it again. 6/10