people i know be a clunker with no one to root for and no one to care about despite the game effort of a talented cast . pacino deliver his usual tour de force a eli wurman and a past his prime publicity agent hollow out by a lifetime of moral corruption . but unlike michael corleone and it impossible to have an emotional investment in this character and his dilemma and or his fate . the film trace eli preparation for a benefit for a liberal political cause and while distract by a client ( ryan oneal and good in an underwritten part ) late dirty laundry in this case and a tv actress companion who get involve with the wrong people . tea leoni bring her customary star power to this support role and although again and the script doesn not give her much to work with . a eli sister in law and kim basinger manages to evoke sympathy despite implausible plot mechanic . this movie be strictly for those who like watch pacino strut his stuff and and enjoy the other principal . unfortunately and between the script and direction and people i know be strictly amateurish . hence it limited theatrical release and and speedy journey to dvd . consider yourself warn .