The Go-Getter

Greetings again from the darkness. Saw this one at the AFI Film Fest and fully expect it to be on my top ten list at year end. This is everything I love about going to the movies ... great script, stunning photography and realistic performances all wrapped up in a straight-from-the-soul package delivered by a passionate writer-director who refused to compromise on his vision.

Lou Taylor Pucci (so terrific in "Thumbsucker") stars as a 19 year old who schemes to "borrow" a car so he can track down his long-lost half brother to inform him that their mother has passed away. The road trip that follows is very funny, a little frightening and full of self-realization and oddball characters ... not the least of which is the owner of the car: a 24 year old Zooey Deschanel. The two create quite the bond during an ongoing cell phone conversation as Pucci drives her car from city to city in his brotherly search. Anyone still not fully aware of Ms. Deschanel's talents are truly deprived. She is ultra-talented and so very soulful and interesting.

On the trip, Pucci tracks down his old junior high school crush played by the always-willing-to-take-a-risk Jena Malone. Writer/Director Martin Hynes admitted the role was written with Ms. Malone in mind and she was quick to commit after reading the script. Her offbeat appeal makes it easy to see how Pucci would become enamored and fall blindly for this babe that anyone's mom would prohibit her son from seeing! Another great character whom Pucci stumbles across is played wonderfully by Maura Tierney. Regrettably this story line is fairly brief, but suffice to say, you have NEVER seen a band like the one Ms. Tierney invites Pucci to join. Speaking of music, the soundtrack is excellent and compliments every scene. Much of the music is that of M Ward, who is actually the guitar player who gives Pucci the shirt off his back in the film.

Supposedly the film will have wide release in August, and I will do whatever I can to ensure word-of-mouth gets this one seen by everyone I know who loves a great story and thought-provoking, funny film. On a side note, the producer of the film, Lucy Barzun, is someone I am definitely pulling for. She also produced an amazing "little" film called "Pieces of April" and has an obvious eye and love for these marvelous visions of up and coming filmmakers. We need more people like Lucy Barzun.

This is one of the most sweet, romantic and entertaining (unlikely) love stories I have seen in years. This is a MUST see! Very highly recommended. The opening scene; main character Mercer describes how he feels stuck. He is dealing with the loss of his mother and has yet to spread her ashes. Half brother Arlen doesn't even know she died. Mercer decides to make a change in his life. Like Huckleberry Finn our "go-getter" sets out on an adventure. This road trip starts with a car. Of course stealing a car is very out of charter for Mercer and when he's contacted by the owner (cell phone left in car) he apologizes profusely and an unlikely relationship begins. She believes this situation is fate (in the end it does bring them together). Mercer is headed to Reno to find his brother but detours to find and old girl friend in Fallen. The road trip leads him through many states, detours, characters and life lessons, all the while led by a narrating series of conversations with the car owner who eventually catches up with him in Sacramento. Zooey Deschanel has a beautiful dreamy voice; her tone and her 'sweet girl next door' authenticity, is perfect for the role. I didn't know Lou Pucci before this but what a fantastic actor. The script is smart and touching and very heartfelt. The acting is sensational. Overall, this is a believable story with interesting lovable characters. A FANTASTIC indie Drama. Highly Recommended! Hope this is Helpful!

I rarely write reviews unless something really catches my attention, which this film absolutely did. I was hesitant at first to watch it, but I decided to anyway. I almost turned it off in the first few minutes, but I waited just a bit longer and was hooked.

I believe both Lou Taylor Pucci and Zooey Deschanel gave outstanding performances and made this movie entirely believable. They were easy to connect with and hard not to like. Zooey, although you do not see her most of the movie, really adds depth and mystery to the movie. She seems to have that quality about her.

The plot was addicting and perfectly executed. There were many quirky moments, some of them almost stupid, that really livened up the scene when needed. I don't feel I need to get into the plot in detail. All I have left to say is you won't be disappointed.

I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Teenager Mercer steals a car and takes off across the wester United States to ease some of his recent personal grief. While driving, he makes an unusual connection with the girl he stole the car from, talking with her on the phone as he travels.

Written and directed by Martin Hynes and starring Lou Talor Pucci (Thumbsucker), Zooey Deschanel(Elf), and Jena Malone (Saved!), the film is actually very good. After first viewing it, I wasn't sure what to think about it, I didn't really get much out of it. But now, a few days after seeing it, it's actually stuck with me. There are some great scenes throughout the film. It does drag at some moments, but when the film was over, I looked back and realized without those dragging scenes, it wouldn't have possible to tell some of the next scenes.

The acting was great, with this and Thumbsucker, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Pucci's work. I particularly love the scenes with him on the phone with Zooey, the owner of the car. The two are so perfect together, even though they have never met in person. But the director does a wonderful during those phone scenes, making it more than just two people talking on a phone.

The soundtrack is great. Songs from M. Ward, Elliott Smith, The Black Keys, and The Replacements, they all fit in perfectly with the film.

The director Martin Hynes was at the festival and he was extremely nice and helpful. I talked to him a lot of over the weekend (I feel kind of bad, I talked to him so much he was probably sick of seeing me). But he one of the nicest guys I've met at the festival over the years. I wish him all the best and am looking forward to seeing his next projects.

He had some great stories to tell about the making of the film. One actor in particular managed to get himself cast as three different characters in the film.

Search out this film, see it, then spread the word.

You somehow can find it feeling good. I don't know why, but the females overpower mercer greatly. Which is not something you want in a movie. You want to root with the lead. But it just doesn't happen here. I wonder would people get the feeling that is conveyed at times. Because of the corny dialogue is a bit awkward and hard to understand why they makes the movie at all. Should have done better homework with the dialogue and monologue, that is all I have to say. And for an indie, it does a lousy job of capturing the landscape. One of the reason I watch indie flick is too see what the camera on big blockbuster cannot reach. Reality.

In the end the acting is weirdly captivating. The males really suck, but adequate job I guess. Love all the females. And for an indie movie to want to make me watch the same movie 3 times in a week, this movie has somehow struck a dashing blow to my sweet spot. You really want to feel the journey doesn't matter that you already know the ending. Great movie. Should do more comedy lines with it but the score is well in used.