'Blow' doesn't suck, but it could be SO much better!

Rating: Null/10 (7 September 2001)

I feel bad criticizing 'Blow' because it at least ATTEMPTS to make an interesting, adult movie, which is sadly a rarity these days. But I must be honest, and it really doesn't cut it. I seem to spend half my life defending Johnny Depp, but even I must concede that he isn't any great shakes as an actor. The guy has about two modes, and plays variations thereof in all his movies. Basically, I didn't believe him as this character. Nothing new there. I also think it's a fine line between homage and rip-off, and this movie leans too much towards the latter for my liking. I'm talking specifically about Scorcese, generally about 'Goodfellas'. Is the voice-over and having Ray Liotta in the cast, a clever reference or lazy, second hand writing/direction? I wish it was the former.
Actually Liotta is one of the best things about this movie. His character is well rounded and interesting. I wish I could say the same about the three major female roles (Griffiths, Potente, Cruz). 'Blow' features some great, interesting character actors - Max Perlich, Chris Curtis, Paul Reubens, Kevin Gage, Miguel Sandoval. They are really the only reason to watch this. Otherwise what we have here is a flawed, unambitious, unoriginal look at a subject matter that has already been dealt with much better before.