Product: Blow [VHS] (2001)
Rating: 3.0
Okay tale, odd casting
What I liked about 'Blow' was the intersection of protagonist George Jung's life with kingpins like Pablo Escobar. These events help put into perspective the dangerous game that Jung was playing. The introduction of Escobar into the tale (and what an intro) is meant to show the Johnny Depp's character has crossed a threshold from lifetyle choice into serious nacrotrafficking.What's strange about 'Blow' is some of the casting choices. The late Ted Demme obviously liked to go against the grain. I can respect that. The Johnny Depp of 2000 was known for his risky role-taking, so having him carry the lead isn't a problem (and, as a native Bostonian, I think he put on a fairly credible Massachusetts accent...certainly light-years better than Laura Linney's savage botch job in 'Mystic River'). And, Jordi Mollà is outstanding as he is everything he does.But Kiwi Cliff Curtis (of subsequent 'Whale Rider' fame) as Escobar? Maori...Antioquian...what's the difference. What an odd choice.Likewise, getting me to buy off on Ray Liotta as Depp's father (eight years in age difference between the two) was a stretch. Liotta looked 45 throughout the film (his age at the time), regardless of the amount he spent in the make-up trailer.And, 'Blow' was another in a string of movies from that period (along with 'Woman on Top,' 'All the Pretty Horses' and 'Vanilla Sky') designed in part to force-feed Penelope Cruz down the throats of the American public and make her a bankable Hollywood star. And, that was not - nor is it ever - happening.