Show I f Movie Review Paul Newman does it again in Blaze 1 Jack Foriska Associate Editor HE Hustler Hud Butch THE T Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Verdict and The Color of Money Not all Academy Award winners but all marked with the unmistakable unmistakable intensity of Paul Newman an intensity that has made Newman one of the most popular actors of all time In his latest movie movi Blaze Newman effectively redirects the intensity that has become his trademark in an uncharacteristic uncharacteristic uncharacteristic role and once again makes a bid for this years Oscar as best actor Newman is not the only shinning Starr in this powerful and touching story of the late Gov Earl Longs Long's controversial and flamboyant love affair with Fannie Belle Fleming Blaze Starr Newcomer Lolita Davidovich cast in the role of the sexy and unconventional stripper Belle Starr enhances Newmans Newman's performance instead instead instead in in- stead of b being ing overshadowed by it and is definitely one of the years year's best surprises The story opens with an overview of Starrs Starr's introduction introduction introduction tion and quick savvy of the colorful but sordid world of topless dancing Starr looking for better and bigger billings heads for Bourbon Street in New Orleans and is immediately immediately immediately immedi immedi- spotted by the controversial controversial con con- governor Earl EarI K Long who has a weakness for willed strong-willed artistes with big Starr who proves she has a mind of her own and is not willing to be just another conquest becomes becomes becomes be be- comes Longs Long's obsession and thus starts one of the screens most unusual love stories Blaze is also the story of Longs Long's commitment to human rights and his ability to cajole the people In his own words The liThe three best friends the poor people have ever had are Jesus Christ Sears and Roebuck and Earl K Long Newmans Newman's performance performance performance mance as Long is im impeccable Screenwriter director Ron Shelton has added another winner to his list of writing and directing achievements that include Bull Durham Under Fire Fife and The Best o of f Times This latest offering is his his' best yet and andis is marked by a amature amature amature mature continuity and a story mat captures your complete attention without a letdown Good supporting roles are given by Gailard Sartain as La LaGrange LaGrange LaGrange Grange and Richard Jenkins r- r 7 ra i I a ba bat t I t td I h- h 4 Academy winner award r Paul N Newman stars as charismatic Louisiana governor Earl K Long a populist politician with progressive ideas in Blaze as the Times-Picayune Times reporter that continually dogs Long Blaze is one of the best movies of the year and a definite see must-see for adult movie fans this season The movie contains some nudity and strong language and is rated R. R |