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!!!
