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This doesn't Blow! A Review by |
| This weekend, I got
the chance to check out newest drug movie on the block...BLOW. Advertisements have been
comparing this to the critically-acclaimed Traffic. But these comparisons are being done
more to garner up business then anything. Sure both movies involve the drug trade, but the
only other similarity...IS THEY BOTH ARE DAMN GOOD! We all know the background on Traffic, but here's the story on Blow: -Blow is the "true" story of George Jung and his rise through the drug ranks. Johnny Depp plays Jung as he starts off as a small time marijuana dealer, and turns into one of Pablo Escobar's right hand men. Jung helps to introduce cocaine to the United States and it catches on like wild fire. Jung becomes incredibly rich, famous...and a father. With his new position as a father, Jung tries to get out of the drug game...but it may be too late. Blow is very similar in plot to the movies Scarface and Goodfellas. But no one can say a true story is unoriginal. And George Jung's story is truly deserving of its own feature film. Tony Montana (of Scarface) and Henry Hill (of Goodfellas) are more powerful characters, but viewers will have much more compassion for Jung. Even though he's a drug dealer, far from the most respected profession, his connection with his father and daughter will make everyone root for Jung. But Jung isn't the only interesting character in Blow. Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) attempts his second movie comeback as Derek Foreal, Jung's homosexual drug-dealing friend. Reubens put on weight and has some funky hair so he's hardly recognizable from his blue suit and talking chair Pee Wee days. Personally I thought he was great in the movie, and didn't take away from the seriousness of the film. Ray Liotta (as Jung's father) was also great, and they did some damn fine work in showing him age throughout the film. Penelope Cruz (Jung's wife) was a great bitch in the movie, and looked like a believable trailer park whore near the end. Fans of Mallrats will also recognize Ethan Suplee as Jung's fat sidekick, Tuna. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Blow, just as I expected I would. It's got a great soundtrack and is always interesting. The movie isn't as captivating as those I mentioned before, but with a true story you only have so much leeway. But Blow did great with what it had and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. It's got the gangster swagger for the men, and the touching moments for the females. Watch this movie...damnit! Rating:  1/2 out of four. |
-Now that you've read something, he's written. Wouldn't you like to find out more about Goc? Here you go. |
