No Right Way

In a world where most people are only concerned with themselves, it's refreshing to see a movie that recognizes the importance of family, the value of putting someone else first, the patience of love. This movie is for everyone who ever felt they needed to step up and step in. One person can make a difference. This movie is also for teachers. It brings up the idea that life gets in the way of schoolwork. Connecting with students, understanding the challenges they face outside of school is far more important than anything that can be taught in school. This movie tells the story of one girl. One girl who represents so many young people who are safer in school than beyond the classroom doors.

Just saw No Right Way a couple nights ago at the Alameda Int'l Film Festival and really loved it. Everyone that I spoke to after the screening felt the same way. This story of a family in crisis is a touchingly realistic, finely observed film that features terrific performances from the entire ensemble, and especially from Ava Acres as Georgie, a teen removed from her home by CPS, Eliza Coupe as her troubled mom Tiffany, and writer-director Chelsea Bo starring as Georgie's much older adult half-sister, who takes her in. It's a touchingly dramatic and at times wryly funny movie that's engaging, credible, and charming. It's amazing that it has not yet been picked up by a major distributor, as it certainly ought to be. If you get a chance to see this one, don't miss it.

Chelsea Bo. Remember that name. This writer/director/actor has delivered a near-perfect movie experience. For me, the standout element was the amazing performances Chelsea drew out of her young actors. Granted, Ava Acres is an extraordinary actor, but this is a cast with more kids than adults and every performance is spot-on. When asked how, Chelsea said that she worked hard to create a "safe environment" for the young people on set, then "empowered them". She acknowledges that adults often talk down to kids and her aim on set was to give all her actors some freedom (with unscripted dialogue) and to "trust" them. Turns out she was exactly right, because the young people are the story here and they hold it, carry it, and deliver it with deep authenticity. Hopefully, her next project also includes young actors, because she has a Spielberg-thing going with getting the best out of children and youth on screen. The choice of shots, the setting, the soundtrack - everything underlines the strong writing. If you get a chance to see this film - don't miss it.

Viewed this film at the Alameda International Film Festival, and frankly was surprised with the skilled and professional presentation.

I so enjoyed the film, it is really fun while telling a hard story.

Shout out to Chelsea Bo and her team. This story, out of true life origins, tells the story of two half sisters and their journey to trying find family.

Ava Acres - who plays the younger sister - does a fantastic job with an extremely believable performance. An actor to watch for her future work.

Sufe Bradshaw gives a performance and dialog that I would love to see more of, but loved her small but important role.

Eliza Coupe gives a compelling performance as well.

Of course a movie takes a whole team, and it seems that Chelsea and Sean created a great team, which apparently they have been working on for a few years.

Chelsea, the writer, director, editor and lead actor playing the older sister deserves so much credit. I can not imagine all the work she did to create this film.

Chelsea's performance is authentic, compelling and heartfelt.

I am no critic, but hearing that the script was improv style seems to make so much sense seeing how the actors seem to react off each other so well.

Looking forward to seeing more of Chelsea, Ava and the others work.

My wife and I had the chance to see this at the Lone Star Film Festival and we were both just floored. The story itself is incredible, but it's in the acting where the film just soars. Director Chelsea Bo set her lightning-in-a-bottle cast free and the result is a realistic, tender, and honest portrayal of the human condition set against a background that is both beautiful and ugly at the same time. This is one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled. I remember thinking that I wanted to see more, and could have watched the onscreen chemistry all day.

This was the festival standout to me, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to see it.