Blaze (1989)

Writer and director Ron Shelton briefly deviates from his sports-themed comedies for this examination of an irascible character from the history of America's second favorite pastime, politics. The result is a memorable, entertaining biography that ranks as some of star Paul Newman's best work, in what amounts to an underrated little jewel of a film that deserves better from critics and audiences. Shelton's writing and Newman's energetic performance are the twin pillars that prop the film up, featuring wonderful character moments and line delivery from the star, and inventive, humorous scenes from the writer/director's pen. The role of Governor Earl Long is the sort of part that Newman excels in, and he relishes his swagger, his accent, his boozy flirtatiousness, and inebriated incoherence. Such is his joyous zeal at sinking his teeth into a larger-than-life role that he makes the viewer accept that Long, too, enjoyed an unquenchable zest for life, whether or not the genuine article really did. Lolita Davidovich is stunningly beautiful and appropriately saucy in her worldly stripper persona, adding up to a film that is just about note-perfect, hampered only by the tragic finale forced upon it by reality. Blaze is a tight, delightful picture that ranks as among Shelton's best films, putting aside the trash-talking cynicism of his oeuvre for a welcome diversion into smart, sharply realized romance. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide