Wildly entertaining on the surface with a more sober ontological reflection in the background. Excellent dialogues with a great performance by Kevin Spacey in particular. The Big Kahuna is very much like a stage play: the story is told with words, not special effects; from the onset the focus is very much on the three protagonists, each representing a different stage in life, and a distinct philosophical system: others do not interfere as we watch them inevitably clash.

A movie such as this could never be popularly acclaimed. It will inevitably be disliked by those who are not fond or perhaps even familiar with the conventions and constraints purposefully employed by theatrical plays, and who expected something completely different altogether. All the more it has to be appreciated that this movie could be made at all. If you enjoyed Glengarry Glen Ross, chances are you'll like The Big Kahuna as well.