Blowing Smoke

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)

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!)

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.

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.