Sallywood

This is an utterly charming film. It honors a storied actor who has never given up striving for the perfect role and tells the real-life story of her relationship with a sweetly naive Hollywood newcomer who refuses to lose sight of his own goals. Tyler Steelman is just right as Zack and Tom Donnelly is outstanding as a hustler looking for a way into the Hollywood game. In many ways this movie is a throwback to the glorious moment for indie films in the late '90s and early '00s. It proves once again that you don't need computer graphics or studio glitz to make a film that demonstrates real affection for its characters and a spirit of hope and optimism -- all leavened with irony-free humor. Xaque Gruber's first feature-length film should move him firmly onto the path toward a solid future as a crowd-pleasing writer-director in Hollywood.

A most wonderful, hilarious, heartfelt (more like heart SQUEEZED), docu-comedy-bio (is this a new genre?!) on legendary Hollywood actor & award winner, Sally Kirkland. It's damn funny & brilliantly written with Sally playing her greatest role (so far)... herself! To know her is to love her at least for Zack (Tyler Steelman), a young man from Maine who comes to Hollywood to meet & work for his favorite actress, Sally Kirkland, after being mesmerized by her unbelievably heartbreaking performance as an out of work, run down, Czech actress in NYC, in ANNA. See, there are those of us in this town who's Meryl Streep IS Sally Kirkland - someone, like Karen Black, Susan Tyrrell or Kay Lenz (who also stars, against type!) who seems to turn up in everything (good or bad) yet never delivers anything less than an amazing performance. And wouldn't be caught dead in a MAMMA MIA. And wait til you see the performances in this, stars from the '70s (Keith Carradine) & '80s (Eric Roberts, Mara Conchita Alonso) & the invincible, like Sally herself, Jennifer Tilly as Zack's eccentric mom. Hollywood has never looked more enticing and neither have any of these actors. Even Lenny Von Dolen (as Zack's sweetheart of a dad) & Michael Lerner (as the tv producer who steals Zack away from Sally) turn in lovely final performances (RIP). But it's all about Sally, the way she consumes the energy but then gives it back in mantras & blessings (as well as an impromptu, tour-de-force monologue from SAINT JOAN). Sally will always mesmerize. From being the first nude actor ever to appear on stage to showing off her dirty, banged up feet (hey, you try conquering Hollywood in high heels!) on a bed she insists Zack share with her (to his trembling, nervous, non-sexual glee), this is as real of a portrait of an actor's Hollywood life you will ever see that will one day be the greatest living obituary for a star, ever.

I saw Sallywood at the Silicon Beach Film Festival and what a gem! The cast were all amazing and played effortlessly off of each other. The story was incredibly well written, so honest and truly heartwarming as we follow Sally and Zach in their new friendship, her pursuing her next big role and him pursuing a career in writing. I was either smiling or laughing out loud the entire way through and loved the moments of absolute silliness. The love between Sally and Zack shines through and I was lucky enough to meet Sally, director Xaque Gruber and other cast members after the show. If you get the chance, you've got to see this movie!!!

Sallywood is a heartfelt and compelling dramedy that masterfully blends humor and emotion. Directed by Xaque Gruber, the film is a deeply personal project that tells his own story of becoming Sally Kirkland's assistant and navigating the highs and lows of working alongside one of Hollywood's most iconic figures. Gruber's unique perspective brings authenticity and charm to the narrative, offering an insider's look at the fascinating-and often chaotic-world of show business.

At the heart of the film is Sally Kirkland herself, delivering a raw and magnetic performance as a fictionalized version of her larger-than-life persona. Her journey through Hollywood's unpredictable landscape is portrayed with equal parts wit, vulnerability, and resilience. Gruber's storytelling captures the nuances of their relationship, blending humor with poignant moments of self-reflection and personal growth.

The talented supporting cast brings incredible energy and depth to the story, including standout performances by Tyler Steelman, Tom Connolly, Jennifer Tilly, Eric Roberts, Maria Conchita Alonso, and others. The film is also a bittersweet tribute, featuring one of the final on-screen appearances of the late Lenny Von Dohlen and Michael Lerner, who deliver memorable and heartfelt performances that remind us of their immense talent.

Sallywood is more than just a Hollywood tale; it's a moving exploration of friendship, ambition, and identity, told with sincerity and heart. Xaque Gruber's directorial debut is a triumph-a must-watch for anyone who loves character-driven stories brought to life by a stellar cast.

Sallywood is filled with humor and pathos, heartwarming and zany at the same time... a beautiful story, well told. This film deftly tackles the oft-taboo topic of ageism --so pervasive in Hollywood, media and our country -- with heart, humanity and grace. This is a movie for artists and optimists, for the dreamers who dare to dream, and then go for it.

As a feature debut, Xaque Gruber's story is a triumph, and the top tier cast is superb. Sally Kirkland delivers a poignant and mesmerizing performance, stealing every scene she's in.

In these cynical times, we're all craving something light and hopeful and warm. Sallywood is what a movie is supposed to be: an entertaining escape to make us laugh, tear up, reflect. It is the feel-good film we all need right now!