Seriously Red

When I sat down to watch the 2022 movie "Seriously Red", I must admit that I wasn't really harboring much of any expectations really. Why? Well, I mean a movie about a Dolly Parton impersonator, how much contents could there possibly be to that?

But I opted to watch the movie, giving the movie a fair chance and the benefit of the doubt. And I am actually glad that I did, because writer Krew Boylan and director Gracie Otto put together a very enjoyable and entertaining movie here.

The storyline is nicely written by Krew Boylan, whom also coincidentally starred as Red, and it is a storyline that takes the audience by the hand and gives you a heartfelt experience that is guaranteed to put a smile on your lips. I was genuinely surprised with the story here, and I have to say that it was good entertainment from start to end.

I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, except for actor Bobby Cannavale, but they had a great cast and the actors and actresses put on good performances to bring the movie to life on the screen. Leading actress Krew Boylan really carried this movie phenomenally well with her performance.

"Seriously Red" is a movie that is well worth watching and sitting down to spend 104 minutes upon.

My rating of "Seriously Red" lands on a six out of ten stars.

SXSW 2022 Greetings again from the darkness. Finding one's self can be a long and arduous life journey for some. Along the way, they may be influenced by parents, friends, co-workers, and even public figures. This phenomenon is explored by director Gracie Otto (sister of Miranda) with a terrific script from lead actor Krew Boylan. It's a film that starts out light-hearted and comical and evolves into something much deeper ... self-actualization.

I'll admit two things: I was not previously familiar with Krew Boylan and I was truly blown away by her performance here. She stars as Raylene, also known as the titular "Red" thanks to the ginger mop of hair on her head. She's fixated on Dolly Parton to the point of going to the company banquet dressed as Dolly (either a prank or misunderstanding). Red has struggled to find her way in life, and is fired from her realtor job the day after the banquet due to her drunken improprieties. This is a grown woman living in her mom's garage, and coincidences being as they are, a talent scout for a celebrity impersonation troupe offers Red the opportunity to audition as their Dolly.

We watch as she improves her act ... going from a tolerable karaoke singer to actually impersonating Dolly's singing voice, not just the big wig, heavy make-up, and frilly costumes (shout out to costume designer Tim Chappel). She becomes part of the Kenny Rogers impersonator's act, and the two begin an off-stage relationship as well. Red finds that she enjoys the adulation and respect, and even goes so far to have implants for authenticity. Of course, we see what's happening before Red does. In her search to find herself, she's disappeared into the act of being someone else. Her lifelong friend asks her, "If you are busy being someone else, who is busy being you?". Behold the identity crisis.

Exceptional work is provided by the supporting cast. That lifelong friend just mentioned is Francis, played by Thomas Campbell. We make assumptions about Francis based on the early scenes, and those assumptions later teach us a lesson. Red has a strained relationship with her mother played by Jean Kittson, who like every parent, wants happiness and reality for their offspring. Celeste Barber plays the talent scout who discovers Red, and Bobby Cannavale plays the manager of the traveling cast of impersonators (and serves up a nifty Neil Diamond impersonation himself). An unrecognizable Rose Byrne is a hoot as Elvis, and Daniel Webber is a standout as Kenny - the love interest and Kenny Rogers impersonator. Also fun to watch are the impersonators who play such icons as Marilyn, Streisand, Liz, Liza, etc.

Director Otto opens with a terrific and unconventional shot of Red in the bathtub while on a client call. It's the perfect introduction to a character and story that leads us down many paths. We often hear that celebrities and public figures don't consider themselves role models, but it's indisputable that they have influence on many. Dolly Parton is a charming and talented and successful woman, and many of her insightful quotes are utilized here to inspire Red. But while icons may inspire some, it becomes clear that we all need the love and support of family and/or friends to discover our true self. This is a full Australian production, with the exception of Mr. Cannavale, who is an honorary Aussie due to his marriage to Rose Byrne. It's a story with heart and makes for an entertaining watch.

I happened upon this movie to watch one night. I started watching, expecting to flip over to the next movie channel after about 5 minutes but ended up staying for the entire film. Krew Boylan plays Red, a real estate agent who hates being a real estate agent and dreams of being a Dolly Parton impersonator. She sets a course to realise her dream and, in doing so, comes to understand that she needs to be comfortable in her own skin instead of somebody else's. Jean Kittson has a wonderful turn as Red's mum, on her own voyage of discovery.

There's a brief star watch in the movie when Red plays in Hong Kong. Keep both eyes open for Jack Thompson lolling in the background. Overall, it's a fun movie, with a not overbearing message about being yourself. Definitely worth watching.

This is better than the IMDB average because of the Aussie flavour About a deep down Dolly impersonator who wants a different life.

Think Priscilla of the Desert or Strictly Ballroom .. you get the idea.

Feel good movie with some gum leaves. Worth the time out.

Acting is solid, and real with Celest Barber as Teeth a great casting effort.

Krew Boylan was good as Dolly - converting from red haired estate agent to blonde bombshell effectively.

Better than I initially expected.

Various well known impersonators can be seen in the main club that do the club tour scene as well.

Keep a look out for some of your favourites.

Dolly Parton fanatic Red (Krew Boylan) can't keep a job and rents the converted garage from her disapproving mother. At the company party, she mistakenly dresses as Dolly Parton. There is a Elvis impersonator (Rose Byrne) and booker Teeth. Red gets fired and signs with impersonator company owner Wilson (Bobby Cannavale). She is paired with Kenny Rogers impersonator (Daniel Webber).

It's an interesting world and there is a funnier comedy somewhere in here. I like the themes and all the big ideas. There is stuff that doesn't make sense. It's also a bit disconnected. It builds up Elvis, but doesn't do more with that character. I assumed Francis to be gay and that threw me off. A lot of little things threw me off in this one. I still like Red a lot despite her bumpy journey.