Getting an audience to sympathize with a criminal or other potentially unlikable character is tricky. You have to be careful not to glorify their actions or shove a message down the viewer's throat. It's like balancing on a tightrope. When it's done right, it can be a one-of-a-kind experience. For proof watch "The Sopranos."
"Blow," starring Johnny Depp and Ray Liotta, manages to keep its footing. It deals with the extraordinary life of George Jung (Depp), who almost single-handedly brings cocaine into the United States during the late 1970s. Incredibly ambitious and magnificently acted, it's a powerful and fascinating film that proves the truth is always stranger than fiction.
Born in Massachusetts to a hard working father (Liotta) and demanding mother (Rachel Griffiths), Jung learned at a young age that sometimes money and happiness go hand and hand. Despite the fact that his dad was a great man, his mother constantly left him because they weren't wealthier. He always took her back, but it crushed George.
After high school George moved to California with his best friend Tuna (Ethan Suplee) to get away from the East Coast. It was love at first sight. The weather is great, the women are beautiful and everyone is laid back and open to new ideas and experiences.
Everyone is also smoking pot, and before long George is dealing it. He partners up with a hairdresser named Derek Foreal (Paul Reubens) and his girlfriend, Barbara (Franka Potente), a flight attendant. Together they make a ton of money, but it's not enough for George.
While in prison for getting caught with more than 600 pounds of marijuana, George makes a connection and is introduced to the world of cocaine. After his release, with the help of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar (Cliff Curtis), he begins dealing it in the states. Before long George has made $60 million.
There is a ton of story here, and director Ted Demme ("Life") and writers David McKenna ("American History X") and Nick Cassavetes ("Unhook the Stars") do a respectable job of keeping things moving along without rushing or forcing anything. "Blow" is never slow or boring.
The main weakness in the film stems from the fact that there is so much story to tell. It's never clear why Jung is so greedy. We're left wanting to know more about him.
That minor quibble aside, "Blow" remains an excellent film. Depp gives a tremendous performance, matched by Liotta. The relationship between father and son, as well as Jung's relationship with his daughter, is heart breaking. For better or worse, you will sympathize with this man and question whether or not justice has been done.
Quality movies have been scarce so far this year, but "Blow" changes all that. It does not disappoint.
Grade: A-
"Blow" opens at theaters everywhere on Fri., April 6.
