Blue in the Face

Where Smoke ends, this colorful ensemble comedy begins. Director Wayne Wang and screenwriter Paul Auster devised this "instant" companion film that was filmed in six days and was mostly improvised by the eclectic assemblage led by Harvey Keitel, reprising his role as Brooklyn cigar store manager Auggie Wren. Some, like Lily Tomlin, director Jim Jarmusch and musician Lou Reed (riffing about his beloved New York) get it. Others, like Roseanne and Madonna, though giving it the old college try, do not. Coasts somewhat on the goodwill generated by Smoke, but not without its quirky pleasures. Recommended. (K. Benson)