Sallywood

This is a poignant film of the desires and lives of two people following their dreams. Xaque beautifully captures his lifelong journey following the actress, Sally Kirkland, from young boyhood to their chance encounter which lead to a friendship of the ages. That the film debuts on Amazon Prime in the week Sally passed into spirit-well, even the Great Xaque couldn't have written that script. But, I suspect Sally is beaming from the heavens with pride. Loved the movie. Kudos, Xaque!

When you want to tell a real-life story, even one with difficult "episodes," use humor. This is what the best stand- up comics do, and why they are successful. They cull from their own lives, and this is what audiences relate to and identify with. Xaque Gruber does this so well! Humor gets us through life's challenges. The casting is superb, with actors you recognize, and they are wonderful. This is what a good "Indie" film is meant to be. This is a family-friendly movie, and those are hard to come by these days. There is something for all ages to love and enjoy. See this, and your day will be happier, I guarantee.

Xaque Gruber's first feature is a doozy with plenty of laughs, some genuine emotion and most of all the crazy, charming and brilliant talent that is Sally Kirkland. Playing herself in this bio-pic, she steals every scene she is in and makes Sallywood as special kind of film event. Tyler Steelman, playing the young Xaque, grows up a film fanatic who is particularly enchanted by the young Oscar nominated Sally Kirkland (from the film Anna). When he finally makes it to Hollywood a chance encounter with Sally changes his life forever. Steelman is perfect as the hypercharged creative bundle that is the real Xaque Gruber and a stellar cast that features Meg Tilly as Xaque's mom, Eric Roberts, Kay Lenz, Maria Conchita Alonzo, Lanny Vondohlen, as Xaque's dad, and the always excellent Michael Lerner all move the story along but the star of this film is the now aging Kirkland, her stardom behind her and struggling to pay her bills. Her brillance shines through in every scene.

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!!!

With a terrific cast and crew, this marvelous coming- of- age story is never indulgent but is funny, tender, has a great pace and some truly inspiring scenes. It is as much a coming-of- age story for the star, Oscar nominated / Golden Globe winner Sally Kirkland, who faces the story of her life in retrospect, just as the young Xaque, looks to his future. Casting is superb with every player present and fresh in the moment. The film's production quality is perfect in every department including some wonderful original music. This sweet-hearted picture has won over 29 festival awards and should enjoy a strong distribution life. Bravo!