(This was originally written April 9, 2001)
I went to see ’’Blow’’ this weekend and I came away with the feeling that I didn’t waste my money.
Johnny Depp (George Jung), who I love, was so very good in this role. Nevermind the ever changing hair of George Jung, which is what a lot of people are focusing on. Look at the characteristics and the way that Johnny does his job. What I got from this film (and I don’t through that word around), is that while yes, he is a criminal, he wanted to change. He loves his daughter. He married his mother. He was a faithful friend. He also trusted too many.
Penelope Cruz (Mirtha Jung) was outstanding. I’ve never seen anything that she’s been in. But, if this is how this woman acts, I must go rent ’’Woman On Top’’ and ’’All The Pretty Horses’’. She started this charcter as a quiet, seductive, sexy woman. But, she turned into a loud, coke riddled mess. And, her broken english just made the performance even better. I think she’s going to be nominated for an Academy Award, if they remember her.
Ray Liotta (Dad Jung- I forgot his first name) was such a nice guy. I wanted to hug him and listen to his stories. I grew to love him as George does. This was a strong, proud, loving man who loved his son no matter what.
Rachel Griffiths (Ermine Jung) played the hell out of her part. Playing Johnny Depp’s mother, and she’s acutally younger than he is. She was a very cold, bitter woman. Rachel got the accent down pat.
Franka Potente (Barbara) was decent. I personally think that Reese Witherspoon could have done wonders with this character. Not badly played, but not too much to remember about the performance.
Paul Reubens (Derek Foreal)played this character with as much enthusiam as he played Pee-Wee Herman. He was so good and funny and lovable as the gay hairdresser who just happens to sell enormous bags of marijuana.
What I liked about this film is that you grow to love old George. You want him to have a relationship with his daughter when she gets grown. You want her to go visit him. I wanted to call her and tell her, ’’Go see your dad. He loves you.’’