Blowing Smoke

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.

First off, if you are a cigar lover...you will greatly be entertained by this movie. I went with a bunch guys (Go "Core"!!! Yeah!!) for the screening in LA on April 21st. The plot line is simple - what guys say when they are "blowing smoke". It loosely defines the fraternal brotherhood that bonds all cigar smokers. If you are a cigar smoker, you then understand the last sentence. The film also loosely resembles a PBS documentary - (wink) , but way too irreverent and political incorrect for PBS - thank God. Between you and me, I hate the current drivel coming out of Hollywood - too formula, too much CGI, too cute, too much gore..blah, blah, blah.

For the cigar lover, there are lots of details to keep you watching for the facts, taste descriptions of each cigar brand in the movie...very much like "Sideways", where I wanted to drink Pinot Noir wine. In "Blowing Smoke" it was a gorgeous Cuban or an Opus-X, etc. right after the movie with my brothers-in-smoke. I have no doubt that this will be the "cult" movie for "us" guys. :-) I would even imagine B'Smoke and Sideways as a common pairing for a double feature. Why not?

For the ladies... let's just say they have enough material to have a spirited discussion with their "cigar lovers".

The direction given by James Orr was masterful. I certainly walked away knowing each character in the movie, like a friend at my local cigar hang-out. The clever writing by Orr, kept the pace of the movie lively with the jabs between each of the "Blowing Smoke" characters as the plot and tension thickened - with smoke. Each of the actors gave a convincing, "you are my best friend" performance. Especially given the fact that none of them smoked cigars before. In addition, due to the single set (similar to the Grand Havana Room in LA), the writing style was necessary to keep the audience engaged. In my opinion, the observer felt like a guest and would easily fit in the Grand Havana Room surroundings - with the exception of that one... ex- waitress (wink).

My humble prediction? There are going to be many "Blowing Smoke" parties for years to come.

Don't be a Putz. If you are into cigars in anyway, see "Blowing Smoke" on the big screen when it comes out... AND buy the DVD. Hopefully Orr and Kamal (Producer) will have a "Director's Cut" version, that will further enchant the aficionado with "behind the scenes" information that will captivate us "gear heads".

"Cuba Libre"

-Walt

Celebrating Life!!!

I finally got the opportunity to see this movie and was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events. As a woman, I was finally prepared to be shocked and horrified by the promised misogynistic tone of the six male characters and what they had to say. Instead, I was completely entertained by the playful banter of these characters who, as it turns out, have a bark much louder than their bite. Without giving away the ending (which completely took me off guard!) the misogynistic tone quickly turns into a heated competition for the attentions of...what else? A hot woman!

The dialog is witty and at times laugh out loud funny and the pacing is just fast enough to keep the plot moving forward but not too fast that any of the meaningful tete-a-tetes are lost in translation. All in all, I give the movie an enthusiastic "thumbs up".

I wasn't sure what to expect of this film, but was extremely pleasantly surprised to find it raw, humorous, and all too real. The performances are generally good, with Sean Michael Allen (aka Sean Barnes, as Eric) and Lennie Loftin particular stand-outs. But the real star of this movie is the dialogue, with snappy one-liners and unexpectedly fair jokes at the expense of both sexes.

The film would benefit, I think, from the music playing during the scenes being completely removed - less would be more in this case - but it's a small quibble with a very enjoyable movie. (Guys, if you want to save yourself some time, take a woman to see this on your first date. If she stalks out in disgust, you've just saved yourself the price of buying dinner with a humorless miseryguts!)

I saw the new film "Blowing Smoke" at it's premier in LA on April 21st, and I absolutely loved it! I am a avid cigar smoker which is why I was first drawn to the movie, but the movie is really about life ... and living life ... and the sometimes (always?) strange relationships between men and women.

The writing is fast paced and well thought out, and the plot has several key twists and surprises ... right up to the end. It is an irreverent no-holds-barred view of one night at the Grand Havana Room in Beverly Hills.

I recommend it highly, and I hope it's in a theater soon. I want to see it again!

-Randy (San Diego)