Blow

A big-minded, epic telling of the trials and tribulations of George Jung (Johnny Depp), mastermind behind much of the cocaine that made it to the U.S. during the drug’s initial explosion. Depp is good in the lead role, and there are nice supporting performances by Paul Reubens as a hairdresser and, especially, Ray Liotta as Jung’s golly-gosh father. The story is hampered by a flair for the melodramatic toward the end, and Penelope Cruz’s character as Jung’s shrill wife. Cruz overacts in what is easily the year’s worst performance thus far. Director Ted Demme has made a movie that looks good and is entertaining on many levels. It’s good, but it should’ve been great.