Sallywood

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.

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.

Sallywood is a truly exceptional film that shines in both its direction and performances, making it a standout in modern cinema. From the very first frame, it's clear that this film was crafted with care and precision. The direction is sharp and confident, guiding the audience through a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Every scene is carefully composed, every shot chosen to highlight the emotions and themes at play, making Sallywood a visually stunning and engaging experience.

The performances are nothing short of outstanding. The actors bring their characters to life with such depth and authenticity that it's impossible not to become invested in their journeys. Whether it's the lead, whose vulnerability and strength are beautifully portrayed, or the supporting cast, whose performances add layers of complexity to the story, each actor shines in their role. Their chemistry together creates a sense of real connection and intimacy, drawing the audience into the world of the film and making every moment feel genuine. The characters are well-developed, each with their own quirks, fears, and desires, and the actors fully embody these traits, making them relatable and memorable.

One of the standout features of Sallywood is its humor. The film is filled with witty, clever moments that never feel forced. The jokes are sharp and well-timed, offering lightness and laughter when needed but never undermining the seriousness of the themes it explores. The humor acts as a natural relief, creating a balance between the moments of levity and the more poignant, emotional scenes. It's the kind of humor that comes from real life, from the way people joke around to mask their pain or deal with difficult situations. This grounding in reality makes the humor feel authentic and adds to the overall richness of the film.

At the heart of Sallywood is a powerful exploration of ageism. The film takes a critical look at how society often dismisses and marginalizes older generations, making them feel invisible or irrelevant. Through its characters and storyline, Sallywood gives voice to those who are typically overlooked, showing the richness of their lives and the value they still hold. The film tackles this topic with both sensitivity and wit, using humor as a way to highlight the absurdity of age-based discrimination. It shows how ageism isn't just a societal issue but a deeply personal one, affecting the way individuals see themselves and how they are seen by others.

What makes Sallywood particularly compelling is the way it handles this issue without resorting to preachiness. The film doesn't just tell the audience about ageism; it shows it through the experiences of its characters, making the message resonate more deeply. Through moments of humor and drama, the film paints a portrait of older individuals who are still vibrant, capable, and full of life, challenging the stereotypes that society often imposes on them. It's a refreshing take on aging, one that celebrates the wisdom and experience that come with age, rather than reducing older people to caricatures or ignoring them altogether.

But Sallywood isn't just about ageism-it's about the broader human experience. It captures the complexity of life, from the joy and humor of everyday interactions to the pain of loss and the fear of being forgotten. The film is a beautiful reminder of how age, identity, and the way we connect with others shape our lives. The story resonates with anyone who has ever felt overlooked or misunderstood, regardless of age, and offers a compassionate exploration of the universal human desire to be seen, heard, and valued.

Ultimately, Sallywood is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. Its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary makes it both entertaining and meaningful. It reminds us that no matter how old we are, we all have something valuable to contribute, and that it's never too late to live life fully. Whether you find yourself laughing, crying, or reflecting on your own experiences, Sallywood offers a rich, emotional, and rewarding cinematic experience that speaks to the heart of what it means to age with dignity and grace.

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.

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!