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.

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!

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".

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