SCREEN IT! PARENTAL REVIEW: COFFEE AND CIGARETTES

"COFFEE AND CIGARETTES"
(2004) (Bill Murray, Alfred Molina) (R)

Alcohol/ Drugs	Blood/Gore	Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude	Frightening/ Tense Scenes	Guns/ Weapons
*Mild	None	Moderate	None	Minor

Imitative Behavior	Jump Scenes	Music (Scary/Tense)	Music (Inappropriate)	Profanity
Mild	None	None	Minor	Extreme

Sex/ Nudity	Smoking	Tense Family Scenes	Topics To Talk About	Violence
Minor	Extreme	None	Moderate	None

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: Various characters sit around smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee while making small talk or dealing with the immediate issues in their lives.

PLOT:

In a series of eleven mostly independent vignettes, various characters sit around, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and talking about that and other issues in their lives. Roberto (ROBERTO BENIGNI) and Steven (STEVEN WRIGHT) lead off, while a waiter (STEVE BUSCEMI) tries to figure out which of two twins (JOIE LEE and CINQUÉ LEE) is the evil one, while chatting about Elvis and his.

Iggy (IGGY POP) and Tom (TOM WAITS) meet and justify smoking since they've previously quit, while wise-guy Joe (JOE RIGANO) gets on Vinny's (VINNY VELLA) case for smoking and observing the latter's son, Vinny Jr. (VINNY VELLA JR.), who doesn't speak. Renée (RENÉE FRENCH) must deal with a pesky waiter (E.J. RODRIGUEZ) who's determined to fill and thus ruin her perfect cup of coffee, while longtime friends Alex (ALEX DESCAS) and Isaach (ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ) meet and discuss whether anything's wrong.

Movie star Cate (CATE BLANCHETT) takes a break from a press junket to meet her less sophisticated and somewhat envious cousin, Shelly (CATE BLANCHETT), while Jack (JACK WHITE) wants to show Meg (MEG WHITE) an invention he's created.

Alfred (ALFRED MOLINA) wants to tell fellow actor Steve (STEVE COOGAN) that they're related, while GZA (GZA) and RZA (RZA) get on Bill Murray's (BILL MURRAY) case for drinking and smoking. Finally, Bill (BILL RICE) and Taylor (TAYLOR MEAD) shoot the breeze while on a break from work.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Unless they're fans of anyone in the cast or director Jim Jarmusch, it's not very likely.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R: For language.

CAST AS ROLE MODELS:: ROBERTO BENIGNI and STEVEN WRIGHT play themselves as actors who smoke and drink enough coffee to the point of having the jitters.
JOIE LEE and CINQUÉ LEE play twins who smoke and get tired of a talkative waiter, played by STEVE BUSCEMI, who interrupts them.
IGGY POP and TOM WAITS play themselves who meet for coffee and justify smoking by the fact that they've really quit.
JOE RIGANO plays an apparent wise-guy who uses strong profanity and badgers his friend, played by VINNY VELLA, who smokes and also uses strong profanity. VINNY VELLA JR. plays his son who doesn't speak but wants money from his father.
RENÉE FRENCH plays a woman who smokes and becomes perturbed by a waiter, played by E.J. RODRIGUEZ, who constantly wants to refill her coffee.
ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; JOIE LEE and CINQUÉ LEE play twins who smoke and get tired of a talkative waiter, played by STEVE BUSCEMI, who interrupts them.
IGGY POP and TOM WAITS play themselves who meet for coffee and justify smoking by the fact that they've really quit.
JOE RIGANO plays an apparent wise-guy who uses strong profanity and badgers his friend, played by VINNY VELLA, who smokes and also uses strong profanity. VINNY VELLA JR. plays his son who doesn't speak but wants money from his father.
RENÉE FRENCH plays a woman who smokes and becomes perturbed by a waiter, played by E.J. RODRIGUEZ, who constantly wants to refill her coffee.
ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; IGGY POP and TOM WAITS play themselves who meet for coffee and justify smoking by the fact that they've really quit.
JOE RIGANO plays an apparent wise-guy who uses strong profanity and badgers his friend, played by VINNY VELLA, who smokes and also uses strong profanity. VINNY VELLA JR. plays his son who doesn't speak but wants money from his father.
RENÉE FRENCH plays a woman who smokes and becomes perturbed by a waiter, played by E.J. RODRIGUEZ, who constantly wants to refill her coffee.
ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; JOE RIGANO plays an apparent wise-guy who uses strong profanity and badgers his friend, played by VINNY VELLA, who smokes and also uses strong profanity. VINNY VELLA JR. plays his son who doesn't speak but wants money from his father.
RENÉE FRENCH plays a woman who smokes and becomes perturbed by a waiter, played by E.J. RODRIGUEZ, who constantly wants to refill her coffee.
ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; RENÉE FRENCH plays a woman who smokes and becomes perturbed by a waiter, played by E.J. RODRIGUEZ, who constantly wants to refill her coffee.
ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; ALEX DESCAS and ISAACH DE BANKOLÉ play longtime friends who discuss whether anything is wrong with the former.
CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; CATE BLANCHETT plays a famous movie actress who smokes and briefly meets with her somewhat envious cousin, also played by BLANCHETT, who smokes and uses strong profanity.
JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; JACK WHITE plays a guy who wants to show his female friend, played by MEG WHITE his latest gizmo invention. Both smoke.
ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; ALFRED MOLINA plays himself who wants to let a fellow actor, STEVE COOGAN playing himself, know that they're distant cousins. The later smokes, uses strong profanity and lies to the former when he thinks the situation has gotten too weird.
GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; GZA and RZA play themselves (and use strong profanity) and question why BILL MURRAY, playing himself, is working as a waiter who smokes and drinks coffee straight from the pot.
BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.; BILL RICE and TAYLOR MEAD play workers who engage in small talk and dream of bigger and better things while on a work break.

CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO

HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE

Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit?
Then read OUR TAKE of this film.

(Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below).

OUR WORD TO PARENTS:

The following is a quick look at the content found in this R-rated drama. Profanity consists of at least 34 "f" words, while other expletives and colorful phrases are present. Some bad attitudes are briefly present (racist and homophobic), while many characters smoke (making it look cool or glamorous, although some badger others about doing so).

Some drug and drinking related comments are also made. Some imitative behavior is present, while a woman briefly looks through a weapons catalogue that has illustrations of guns and knives.

If you're still concerned about the film and its appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home who may be interested in seeing it, we suggest that you take a closer look at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content.

ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE: No actual use is present, but the following comments/desires are made.
Cheryl orders double tequila but we don't see her get it.
Steve offhandedly tells Alfred that they should get a beer sometime.
RZA asks if they can smoke a blunt wherever they are (saying they used to), but GZA says they can't anymore.
Taylor tells his friend that they should act like their coffee is champagne and there's some additional talk related to that (such as champagne being the nectar of the gods, etc.).

BLOOD/GORE: None.

DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE: A white waiter, who's otherwise friendly, tells two black twins that they remind them of Heckle and Jeckle (a possible racist comment - intentional or not -- since both are black and those old cartoon crow/magpie characters were/are potentially offensive stereotypes).
Vinny's kid pulls the corners of his eyes back to give him an Asian look, prompting Vinny to say that Chinese and Japanese are the same thing.
Once Cate leaves the room (where both she and Cheryl have been smoking), Cheryl tries to light up again but is told there's no smoking there (a double standard for her since her famous cousin is no longer there).
Thinking that Alfred is either crazy or coming on to him, Steve lies about not having a cell phone and a rule of not giving out his home phone number (he also asks Alfred if he's gay and doubts his negative answer). He changes his tune, however, when he realizes that Alfred has important Hollywood connections.

FRIGHTENING SCENES: None.

GUNS/WEAPONS: We see Renee looking through a handgun and hunting knife catalogue that shows illustrations of such products.

IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR: Phrases: "You're a f*cking /moron/maniac," "F*ck you up," "I'm f*cking addicted," "Don't break my f*cking balls," "What the f*ck are you talking about?" "That must be a real f*cking drag," "That's for f*cking sure," "F*cking rude," "Palm trees annoy the f*ck out of me," "Where the f*ck you at?" "Bill m*therf*cking Murray," "Let's get the f*ck out of here," "Bullsh*t," "Gives you the sh*ts," "What a d*ck-head," "Shut up," "Slaphappy hillbilly," "Sucker(s)," "Sucks," "Freakin,'" "(Little) bastard" and "My ass."
The film could inspire some kids to take up drinking coffee and/or smoking cigarettes.
Steven states that he drinks coffee before he goes to bed so that he dreams fast. GZA later says he does the same.
Vinny's kid pulls the corners of his eyes back to give him an Asian look, prompting Vinny to say that Chinese and Japanese are the same thing.
Bill Murray drinks coffee straight from the coffee pot.

JUMP SCENES: None.

MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE): None.

MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE): A song had the lyric "bad ass."

PROFANITY: At least 34 "f" words (1 used with "mother"), 7 "s" words, 1 slang term using male genitals ("d*ck-head"), 5 damns, 3 asses, 3 uses of "Jesus" and 1 use each of "God," "Jesus," "Jesus Christ" and "Oh God."

SEX/NUDITY: A young woman wears a top that's completely backless save for a small string that's tied across her back.
Thinking that Alfred is either crazy or coming on to him, Steve asks, "You're not gay, are you?" Alfred says he's not and is married, but Steve says that so was James the 1st.

SMOKING: Smoking is prevalent throughout the picture and often made to look glamorous or reassuring. Some characters, however, point out to others the bad effects of doing so.
Tom, Vinny, Alex and Meg each smoke several times, while Roberto, Steven, Joie, Cinqué, Iggy, Renee, Isaach, Cate, Cheryl, Jack, Steve Coogan, Bill Murray and Bill each smoke once.
Although both Tom and Iggy say they've quit smoking, both justify that as a reason why they can smoke from a pack of cigarettes that someone left on their table.
Vinny's friend badgers him about smoking.
Once Cate leaves the room (where both she and Cheryl have been smoking), Cheryl tries to light up again but is told there's no smoking there (a double standard for her since her famous cousin is no longer there).
Steve offers Alfred a cigarette. The latter takes it, but says he'll save it for later.

TENSE FAMILY SCENES: None.

TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT: The effects of drinking coffee and/or smoking cigarettes.
Joie talks of Elvis essentially stealing various black artists' music (paying almost nothing for the rights).
Nikola Tesla and his inventions (several characters mention him).

VIOLENCE: None.

Reviewed May 12, 2004 / Posted May 21, 2004

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