DRUG FOES RIP 'BLOW' GIMMICK

SANTA ANA, Calif.--Small mirrors distributed to promote the Johnny Depp
film "Blow" are reflecting badly on the drug-trafficker tale.

Critics say the rectangular mirrors promote drug use because dealers use
the items as cutting boards for cocaine. The souvenir mirrors, contained in
a rubber sleeve featuring the "Blow" title, were distributed with
invitations to advance screenings of the film, which opened nationally Friday.

They also were handed out in bars and outside sporting events, the Orange
County Register reported. Tracy Aaron, 35, of Cypress, Calif., said she was
angry that her husband received one of the mirrors after an NCAA playoff
game in Anaheim. "I was disgusted," she said. "They're passing out drug
paraphernalia, basically."

Debbie Lips, a director for the Hope Institute, a Costa Mesa drug
rehabilitation center, said the film promoters are "sending out the wrong
message" by giving away such items.

The film is about the collapse of a real-life cocaine empire during the
1970s. The lead character, George Jung, played by Depp, is in a federal
prison on various drug charges through 2014.

"Anyone who sees 'Blow' recognizes that this highly acclaimed film does not
promote or glorify the use of drugs," said Steve Elzer, senior vice
president of New Line's corporate communications.