Powder Blue is a straight to DVD release. As movie fans we must be vigilant not to be duped by the quality of the cast. Many B list actors and actresses crave both the spotlight and a paycheck so much they will star in just about anything. Powder Blue’s main attraction is Jessica Biel. Before you horndogs elevate your hopes, one cannot tell at all which character she plays. This movie is deliberately confusing in a failed attempt to mask its flaws.

       Before your suspicions overwhelm your sense of rationality, "powder blue" does not refer to cocaine, although a healthy supply is snorted during the movie. Instead, it refers to snow in a bluish lighting provided by the fancy studio. Here is a lame joke: "Know how to tell if a movie goes straight to DVD? Ray Liotta stars in it!" Kris Kristofferson plays a short and typically stern role, Lisa Kudrow plays a replica of her "Friends" character, Patrick Swayze sporting a wig plays a role, and most importantly, Forest Whitaker is the main attraction. Without Whitaker’s performance this movie would be totally irredeemable.

       Whitaker produced this film, perhaps as an initial foray into the business end of the industry. His performance is rather interesting. Playing a man with a death wish and a suitcase filled with $50,000.00 is quite befitting of his talents. I spent hours mulling over what makes his acting so rich. Frankly I have not yet translated my enjoyment of his work into words, quite simply, the onscreen performances speak for themselves.

       That being said, this movie has one too many strip club scenes and hospital scenes that lead nowhere and cause any viewer to fast forward until there is precious little left to watch. Do not rent this film, it intends to be like Crash, instead it comes across as more of a homicide.