Review of Powder Blue (2009) by Willow T — 15 Aug 2010

Jessica Biel as fully-sexed-up exotic dancer? Hmmph. Two fairly-uninspiring, over-choreographed bikini dances (minutes 17 and 35). Uncredited body-double work and nine topless seconds in the third (minute 68), that intentionally minimized via camera-angle-work and what is supposedly hot wax. Two more shadowy topless seconds later on, coupled with a body-double derriere shot. No full-frontal.

Still, Biel was smart to play this career card - while she still can. Biel's bit proves writer/director LinhBui learned well in film school that such irrelevant bait ensures steady DVD cashflow - regardless of actual product quality. Stashing the naughtiest bit in Act III is his lame attempt to force-feed viewers his entire effort.

But what OF the rest of that effort? LinhBui further proves himself the student (not teacher) by shamelessly/heavily borrowing the motif/theme done oh-so-well in "Magnolia" to zig-zag viewers through a quartet of eventually-intertwined individuals, each at a bleak, depressing crossroad searching for redemption. Here force majeure finally falls, but not from frogs - but does that really matter?

"Magnolia" is a tough-to-beat under any circumstance, and this film doesn't come all that close. That shortfall is characterization. In "Magnolia," characters get slow-and-detailed reveal of flaws, sufferings, mistakes and regrets, giving actors ample clay to mold, earning viewer sympathy/interest. Here the characters are simplistic, cliche, fully known out-of-the-gate, so there's simply no drama/interest on deck.

There's well-established, name-brand talent in play (Liotta, Whitaker, Kudrow, Swayze) plus Biel and newbie Redmayne, all far surpassing the thin characters they're dealt. Still, it's not quite enough.

Nevertheless, viewers enamored with "Magnolia" should queue it, this being a sort-of-dose-of-more. As for LinhBui, his heavy reliance here on sexual gimmickry and intellectual embezzlement doesn't yield much hope for future directorial promise.

RECOMMENDATION: If "Magnolia" seriously worked for you, yes. If you're in for Jessica Biel peek-a-boo, no.