Watch Powder Blue

Powder Blue is a 2009 drama movie that revolves around four diverse people whose lives intersect on the eve of Christmas in Los Angeles. The film's characters include Rose-Johnny's stripper, an ex-priest turned taxi driver, a mortician struggling to cope with the guilt of letting his family down, and an ex-con out on parole who hopes to reconnect with his daughter.

Jessica Biel plays Rose-Johnny, a favorite stripper who has been out of work for some time since the death of her son. She is desperate for a job and will do anything to earn enough money to pay for her son's funeral. On Christmas Eve, her boss offers her a job at the strip club, and she jumps at the opportunity. However, her plans hit a snag when she meets a suicidal man who changes her life forever.

Eddie Redmayne plays Qwerty Doolittle, a young mortician who is going through an emotionally tumultuous time. His estranged mother is dying, and he is struggling with the guilt of not living up to his father's expectations. He tries to escape his problems by engaging in self-destructive behavior. But after a chance encounter with a dying woman on Christmas Eve, he finds hope and redemption.

Forest Whitaker plays Charlie, an ex-priest turned taxi driver. After a tragedy, he lost his faith and has been trying to find his way back ever since. On Christmas Eve, he picks up a young prostitute named Jody, played by Sanaa Lathan, and helps her deliver her baby. Through this experience, Charlie finds a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

The fourth character is Jack Doheny, an ex-con played by Ray Liotta. He is on parole and struggling to reconnect with his estranged daughter. He spends his days working as a chef in a diner and planning to win his daughter back. On Christmas Eve, he accidentally meets a young boy who teaches him the true meaning of family.

Powder Blue weaves together the stories of these four diverse people, portraying their struggles with loss, guilt, and redemption. The film's melancholic tone is lifted by the spirit of hope and the eventual coming together of the four characters in a moment of grace. The movie is shot in a moody, atmospheric way, with haunting music serving as a backdrop. The performances by the all-star cast are nuanced and empathetic, adding to the film's poignant narrative.

The film's director, Timothy Linh Bui, said that he was inspired by the works of Raymond Carver and Robert Altman to create this ensemble piece. Indeed, the film shares some similarities with Altman's masterpiece Short Cuts in its portrayal of diverse, interconnected lives in Los Angeles. The movie also tackles themes of forgiveness, redemption, and human connection, with the characters' stories serving as a metaphor for the bigger picture of humanity.

In conclusion, Powder Blue is a beautiful and haunting drama that explores the complexities of the human experience. Its all-star cast delivers powerful performances, and its narrative is poignant and empathetic. The film's melancholic tone is balanced by a spirit of hope that permeates through its characters, making it an ultimately uplifting experience.

Powder Blue is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.