Blowing Smoke

I wish IMDb would let me put a score lower than 1. I can't disagree more with the other comments; I'm sorry but this movie was terrible.

First off, the clearly defined personalities and stereotypes of each of the cigar-smoking poker players was too much of a cut and dry character outline. The pretty boy actor who was shallow, the suave token black guy who dressed like a pimp, the overweight middle aged club owner (who was already cheating on his wife), the effeminate guy who reminded me of the pretentious Crane brothers from the TV show "Frasier", the bitter old guy who had clearly been burned by a woman, and the filmmaker who reminded me a lot of the weirdo kid from "American Beauty".

They're sitting around playing poker with thousands of dollars on the table (yet the shallow actor hasn't gotten any work in years?) smoking their cigars as a friend makes a documentary for PBS about what guys say when girls aren't around. There's my second problem: no one cares what guys talk about except other guys, and frankly we know what we say... because we're already there saying it!! Enter the damsel in distress, who had apparently been beaten by her boyfriend and had a shotgun held to her face. Naturally this prompts every guy in the room (except the bitter old burn victim) to try to get her into bed with promises of show business opportunities, or other loads of obvious crap and lies. 99% of the guys I know are NOT like this, nor would they trash 6 of their best friendships simultaneously just for one night with a girl.

The acting skills (or lack thereof) and the damsel's appearance led me to believe I might be watching a soft-core late-night adult movie, and I sincerely hoped I wouldn't be forced to endure any love scenes, considering the male portion of the cast. Thankfully the film never went in that direction.

There's a plot twist along the way (you can easily see it coming) that made me wonder what the purpose of the movie was up to that point. I changed the channel with about 20 minutes left to go because I needed to salvage just a little piece of my life and spend it doing something more productive like sleeping, so I'm not even sure how it ended. In all honesty, I can comfortably live my life never knowing what happened. It was just terrible all the way through.

Just because it's an independent film that uses cigars as a metaphor for sex doesn't mean it's any good. It's unrealistic, poorly scripted, horribly predictable, and loses several points for the obvious product placement of an iMac.

I recently attended a screening of Blowing Smoke in LA. I enjoyed the film very much. To start with, this is a film that while funny & amusing, is also closer to reality than most of us would ever admit to our wives or girl friends. The premise is already covered in other reviews, but the "meat" of the film for me was the 6 or 7 different angles the viewers saw from a male perspective. From the woman hating misogynist, to the inch deep pretty boy and the pompous fool, we have all known guys like these characters. In fact we may also see ourselves in the film (no, I won't tell you who is me).

A key takeaway is the general misunderstanding most women have about men. Sure, they are in control, but that doesn't mean they get it! They don't know why men fool around (for variety, stupid), get together (because they enjoy it), or lie about stuff (because women want to hear the good story). Most of all, they can't understand why men need the company of other men from time to time to recharge and be themselves.

And then there are the cigars…wow! Key actors in each scene, each one deserving of credits and admiration. The story behind the movie is a fascinating tale of an industry full of rich characters, long tradition, and true quality & uniqueness in a time of corporate sameness.

The filmography throughout the film was superb, keeping a fast pace to a single set, making it fresh and exciting.

Would I see it again? of course, would I recommend it? absolutely! Buy on DVD? you bet. Including gifts for friends and those not yet enlightened. I give it a solid thumbs up.

A smashing slice of realism in a dark comedy full of fun from both sexes. I really liked this unique movie. It's a fun ride that continues to build. The movie was well written and presented in a great setting. If you know the Grand Havana Room. The movie was well-paced and intriguing. The camera was constantly moving and added to the pace. The film truly celebrates the cigar as an art form. A true aficionado of film and a good smoke will appreciate the relationship between the cigars and the characters. There is a lot to see beyond the naked performances of the actors. They were terrific with the witty dialog and lively interaction. They represent well the bond Aficionado's embrace when enjoying a fine stick. Authentic of course!

The film reaches into the competitiveness of both sexes. The relationship of men and women and their ambitious tendencies. It revels in how people are different just like the variety of cigars around the world. It also shifts gears and shows my favorite part of the day. The true appreciation of a good Cigar and friends. Those stress free moments of pleasure and brotherhood in an otherwise chaotic world.

James Orr was at his directorial best and you feel his passion for the human experience and cigars. He definitely has an appreciation for a fine Cigar and the Core of its art form. He was very particular about his representations and explorations. A real aficionado will appreciate the detail in this film. There is a lot to feel and see with surprises throughout. Many thanks to the producer who helped bring this project to the screen as well. Kamal I want to have a Cigar with you at the Grand Havana Room 90210.

It was an enjoyable film and finally a true celebration of cigars and the human experience. The independent films continue their successes from 2004. You will like it on all levels both sexes. There are a lot of great laughs and one liners to take home. Have fun with it and live life.

Cuban Chris

I saw "Blowing Smoke" in Los Angeles and had some good laughs - it's a dark comedy that moves along quickly and dives irreverently into the battle between the sexes - there are some very funny situations during a late night poker game among these "cigars buddies" - when a sexy girl in distress seeks shelter from her crazy boyfriend at their poker game - they take her in and vow to protect her - each one tries to impress her with his money and connections to get into her pants - it becomes a competition among the "cigar buddies" and gets a little out of control when they start backstabbing each other to be with her - her boyfriend shows up and it gets further out of control.

The premier for this movie was exceptional; you did not need to be a cigar fan (Although I am) to appreciate the combination of fast paced music to set the seen and the influence of the guy's only setting. Teasing you with the flirting of the female side of life only made you want to be one of those guys!

Calling this movie the "Sideways" of cigars is not to far off and I could see some parallel showing similar industry results. The group of actors made it real, this will get people to connect to the movie. I look forward to seeing this movie again and again; it is one for the collection. Anyone who has any sort of life for himself or herself will relate to "Blowing Smoke" at some level. Others need not apply!