Rating: 
Summary: Solid Drama
Review: The effects of lacking the fortitude and conscience to make the right choices in life are examined in "Blow," directed by Ted Demme and starring Johnny Depp as George Jung, a young New Englander who decides early on that living week to week and barely being able to make ends meet is not the kind of life he wants. George grew up in the '50s, in a decent, middle-class family, but was deeply affected by the fact that his father, Fred (Ray Liotta), worked his fingers to the bone as a plumber, sometimes fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, and it was never enough, especially for his mother, Ermine (Rachel Griffiths), who complained endlessly about not having enough money. More than once she abandoned her family, only to be taken back every time upon her return by Fred, who adored her. Then, in the late '60s, George, along with his childhood friend, Tuna (Ethan Suplee), moved to Southern California and quickly discovered the freedom of the beaches and a lifestyle conducive to his idea of paradise. That "paradise" being anchored in the realization of the big, easy money to be made at the time selling marijuana; and for George, it was only the beginning, the on-ramp to the freeway that would ultimately take him to the top of his "profession," and which was destined to define his life. It's a tale as old as time, the lesson of which is destined forever-- unfortunately-- to be ignored by those who seek the quick and easy road to wealth and happiness. Courage, it has been said, has many faces; one kind earns soldiers and citizens medals for rising above imminent danger. Another can be defined as being able to decline the carrot of ill-gotten gains when it is dangled before you. George lacked that kind of courage, and instead grabbed the promise it proffered with both hands, only to discover-- too late-- that it was empty indeed, and laced with unhappiness. It's a classic rags-to-riches-to-oblivion story, with a moral that will be embraced by those with the wisdom to build their house of brick instead of sticks and straw. As George, Depp turns in a convincing, believable performance, portraying him as a misguided, rather than "bad" person. You sense that George's naivete enabled him to take chances and enter an arena to which common sense would otherwise have dictated avoidance, and because of that you are able to sympathize somewhat with him. Depp lends an innocence to the character in which you can find the kid next door, the good kid you grew up with and knew throughout your school years, and in retrospect, it would seem that George, a reasonably intelligent young man, simply made some very stupid decisions. And, as they say, the prisons are full of those just like him. But the most telling indication of who George really is and what he could/should have been, comes through his relationship with his father. And it is that which becomes the very core of the story. As Fred Jung, Ray Liotta gives a poignant performance, presenting a very real person in a very real setting. completely avoiding any kind of stereotype into which this character could easily have fallen, Liotta plays him with a depth that averts sentimentality and makes the unconditional love he shows for his son entirely believable. It's a direct and understated performance that so clearly defines the true character of the man, and it is in the scenes between Liotta and Depp that the true nature of George is revealed as well, in which you begin to understand that he was just an ordinary guy who got caught up in extraordinary circumstances of his own design. The supporting cast includes Penelope Cruz (Mirtha), Franka Potente (Barbara), Paul Reubens (Derek Foreal), Jordi Molla (Diego), Cliff Curtis (Escobar) and Max Perlich (Dulli). A cautionary tale for those who allow themselves to stray from the straight and narrow, the real impact of "Blow" is ultimately contained in the final frame of the film. It is a still picture of the real George Jung; and to fully realize what his life has been about, you need look no further than into the eyes of the man in that photograph.
Rating: 
Summary: It's more than just a story about drugs!!!
Review: Johnny Depp stars in a biopic about George Jung and the rise and fall of one man's life, there is an 85 percent chance if you were doing cocaine in the 70's and early 80's you probably want to thank him because he was the force of your nickel a day drug habit. I have to give credit to Nick Cassavetes the co-writer whose father is the great "John Cassavetes" Nick is on his way with this film who i thouht should have directed this film even though it is solid directing, Nick Cassavetes has a gift for bringing out the humanity in to his characters with relationships the main one that got me was George and his daughter which made the drugs and the money not real, not worth what ever the price was not to have what he lost (his heart) bottom line depp is one of the best actors of all time he has "Buster Keaton's" soul.Blow is not a great film but it is very good and worth watching if your sick of watching cookie cutter films ,watch blow with a open mind.
Rating: 
Summary: Unlikable characters sink overblown "Blow"
Review: The sad thing about BLOW is that it has covered territory that has been seen in films like GOODFELLAS, despite the fact that it was based on a true story. The film basicially tells the story of how a young and stupid drug dealer (Johnny Depp) becomes an old and stupid drug dealer rotting in prison. Depp, sounding like a bad Ray Liotta impersonator, sleepwalks through his role attired in bad wigs and even worse make-up. Indeed, the age make-up for cast members in this film overall is VERY unconvincing. Penelope Cruz, as his spitfire lover, seems stuck in either one of two modes: horny or bitchy. Paul Reubens is stuck playing a gay stereotype. Only Ray Liotta, ironically playing Depp's father, escapes with any shred of dignity intact. In fact, Depp's best acting are in his scenes with Liotta. The major problem is that these characters are not likable and do not grab our interest. There's no reason to care for these people.....and that's a shame. BLOW had potential, but it "blows" it....big time.
Rating:
Summary: Blow is about the life of Mr. George Jung from childhood to
Review: his final drug bust for which he is still serving time. Johnny Depp carries this movie very well, like all movies about gangs or drugs or anything crime related, this movie starts off with everything going well and then everything starting to go downhill again, it is a true story, obviously with quite a bit of Hollywood fabrication but none the less, it inspires sympathy for the characters, I for one am someone who isn't really a very emotional person when it comes to movies, at least I don't think so, but this movie brought a tear or two to my eye, especially the ending, where Depp recited a poem written by Jung and it is the saddest thing, the special features are quite amazing, I would recommend this movie to people over 14 because it does have an R rating which is due to a lot of language, drug content, extremely brief nudity and some violence here and there. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Drug Movie
Review: This is a very good drug movie. It is more realistic than most and underscores the fact that if you keep selling you will keep getting busted. It is the nature of the business.
I am a criminal defense attorney and I really enjoyed this movie.
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: I just saw this and wish I had much earlier. Depp is amazing and the director does an awesome job.
Rating:
Summary: The MIND is a TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE!
Review: As I watched this film, it occured to me that George Jung was a really smart guy, but made stupid decisions over and over again.
But, it's a good thing he and most other criminals do; otherwise, how would the cops ever catch them?
In Blow, we learn the mindset of a young person who wants everything handed to him. Jung decides to take the "easy way" to riches and it worked for a very brief, fleeting moment.
He had it all. A nice looking babe, cars, mansion, and money. Trouble is he got it all illegally and there's no way you can get away with that kind of life style very long before the Cops come and kick in your door; especially if you're snorting your own product.
Like I said, let's be grateful Mr. Jung wasn't more careful. If he were, America's drug problem might be even worse than what it is now.
Watch this one and see where a life of drugs and drug dealing leads.
Rating:
Summary: Depp Blows em All Away
Review: Forget "Scarface." FOrget "Traffic." This is the drug movie of choice. A real story without resorting to fake accents, chainsaws, or a scrambling camera. Depp shines in this movie. Cruz is mere window dressing, but still was effective in her role. The big suprise here is Paul Ruebens. See this movie and you will forget all about Pee Wee Herman. Great performances all around, great musical score, and a moral lesson at the end that didn't involve chainsaws, bloodshed or retribution. Excellent casting and a great time at the movies.
Rating:
Summary: Depp is dominant!
Review: Johnny Depp doesn't get as much credit as he should. He is one of the most versatile actors and shows it here again as George Jung, the drug dealer who becomes a cocaine kingpin in The 1970s. Jordi Molla was great as Diego Delgado, Penelope Cruz was great as Mirtha, and Ray Liotta was great as George's father. A captivating movie about the life of George Jung. Very, very well done!
Rating:
Summary: Open your eyes and heart to this epic of a film
Review: This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen, along with the Shawshawnk Redemption. It presents the story of a good, whole-hearted man in George Jung. The movie captivated me in such a powerful, emotional way. I'm 23 now, and I only wish I were this age back in the 70s when the bulk of this movie took place. Some may negatively label George Jung as a criminal for dealing marijuana and then cocaine, but I don't see it like that. Doing or selling drugs doesn't make anybody less of a person. It was his choice, and unfortunately he had some betraying friends and was unjustifiably put in jail for life.
|
