Blowing Smoke

Good characters and very close to a real mens club, cigar club. However at the precise moment that punk shot at that weak door he was have felt as if he was in front of a Russian firing squad if he tried this our club. Many poker games / clubs like this surely have been robbed over the years, but not going to happen at our club, it wouldn't be a cigar box the boyfriend and that tramp would need it would be 2 pine boxes. Decent movie at best, you can identify with it more if you have been to a place like this before. Might be fun to watch with your cigar buddies and talk about women and how they ruin our lives, or try to.So get a good cigar a glass of single malt, or some good whiskey and play some poker and give this movie a look. Then watch Rounders.

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!!!

A smashing slice of realism in a dark comedy full of fun from both sexes. I really liked this unique movie. It's a fun ride that continues to build. The movie was well written and presented in a great setting. If you know the Grand Havana Room. The movie was well-paced and intriguing. The camera was constantly moving and added to the pace. The film truly celebrates the cigar as an art form. A true aficionado of film and a good smoke will appreciate the relationship between the cigars and the characters. There is a lot to see beyond the naked performances of the actors. They were terrific with the witty dialog and lively interaction. They represent well the bond Aficionado's embrace when enjoying a fine stick. Authentic of course!

The film reaches into the competitiveness of both sexes. The relationship of men and women and their ambitious tendencies. It revels in how people are different just like the variety of cigars around the world. It also shifts gears and shows my favorite part of the day. The true appreciation of a good Cigar and friends. Those stress free moments of pleasure and brotherhood in an otherwise chaotic world.

James Orr was at his directorial best and you feel his passion for the human experience and cigars. He definitely has an appreciation for a fine Cigar and the Core of its art form. He was very particular about his representations and explorations. A real aficionado will appreciate the detail in this film. There is a lot to feel and see with surprises throughout. Many thanks to the producer who helped bring this project to the screen as well. Kamal I want to have a Cigar with you at the Grand Havana Room 90210.

It was an enjoyable film and finally a true celebration of cigars and the human experience. The independent films continue their successes from 2004. You will like it on all levels both sexes. There are a lot of great laughs and one liners to take home. Have fun with it and live life.

Cuban Chris

I saw "Blowing Smoke" in Los Angeles and had some good laughs - it's a dark comedy that moves along quickly and dives irreverently into the battle between the sexes - there are some very funny situations during a late night poker game among these "cigars buddies" - when a sexy girl in distress seeks shelter from her crazy boyfriend at their poker game - they take her in and vow to protect her - each one tries to impress her with his money and connections to get into her pants - it becomes a competition among the "cigar buddies" and gets a little out of control when they start backstabbing each other to be with her - her boyfriend shows up and it gets further out of control.

I saw the new film "Blowing Smoke" at it's premier in LA on April 21st, and I absolutely loved it! I am a avid cigar smoker which is why I was first drawn to the movie, but the movie is really about life ... and living life ... and the sometimes (always?) strange relationships between men and women.

The writing is fast paced and well thought out, and the plot has several key twists and surprises ... right up to the end. It is an irreverent no-holds-barred view of one night at the Grand Havana Room in Beverly Hills.

I recommend it highly, and I hope it's in a theater soon. I want to see it again!

-Randy (San Diego)