Buddy Ackerman is over-played a bit.
Unless he really IS based on an actual human being, in which case it just seems (a bit) overplayed.
Either way, despite going just a LITTLE too far in the how-unlikeable-can-I-render-this-character department, Kevin Spacey does a brilliant and (a bit too, perhaps) convincing job of portraying a ruthless, merciless, cold-blooded and yet socially accepted psychopath…the kind that survives (even flourishes) because its weapon of choice is abuse, ridicule, and intimidation.
Frank Whaley (who?) is just as convincing as Guy, the prototypical good guy whose goodness becomes the focal point of the movie as it is tested repeatedly by Buddy’s blatant abuse until something has to give…and something does.
Saying more would sort of ruin it…worth a watch if you want to see how to appear menacing while discussing artificial sweeteners.
Inspirational Quote: “What do you REALLY want?”
Grade: A