Very, Very good...

Rating: 8/10 (10 April 2001)

Johnny Depp proves once again that he is something special. As an actor, he has reached that plain where every one of the 'next big things' that have just emerged in Hollywood should hope to be in 12 years time. If they're as serious and as passionate about their craft as you'd hope they are, Depp's current standard should be the watermark.
'Blow' packs a real punch. See it and absorb all that is has to offer. And offer it does. This epic covers so much fascinating ground at such a mesmerizing pace, that you'll be a hard one to please if you don't leave the theatre satisfied.
There are a thousand places on the Net where you can read a plot synopsis, so I'll spare you another one.
Let's just say this...Ray Liotta seems to be everywhere at the moment (also starring in 'Hannibal' and 'Heartbreakers'), but here he turns in his best performance for a long time as Depp's father.
Paul Reubens, long forgotten as Pee Wee Herman, shows us just how far he's come with what he produces here. And director Ted Demme should be fully congratulated for his guidance of these actors. The film is a fully character driven piece, and his careful handling of this universally fine cast lifts the whole production to wonderful heights.
Full marks for the final ten minutes of the film too. Just as I was sure that this one was going to fall off the rails in the very final act, we were hit with an amazingly powerful, yet subtle, last beat which elevated all of what had preceded from good, to very damn good.
See it at the theatres. You'll be glad you took the time. 'Blow' is quite an experience, delivered by an actor who'll be remembered in 80 years as one of the greats.