Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story

This film begins with a teenage girl by the name of "Hope" (Moxie Owens) chatting on the internet with her former babysitter "Paige" (Cody Renee Cameron) who has taken up residence in Los Angeles and eventually lures Hope into coming to Hollywood to become a fashion model. The scene then shifts to a single mother known simply as "Baby Girl" (Psalms Salazar) who has just gotten fired from her job as a topless dancer and is not only behind on her rent and but also lacks any means to cover her other expenses. So, she turns to prostitution for a while but gets convinced by Paige and her friend "Destiny" (Brooke Haven) that she can make more money and provide a safer environment for her daughter if she also becomes a fashion model. What neither Hope nor Baby Girl realize is just how devious and narcissistic both Paige and Destiny are and soon they find themselves caught up in a web of degradation and sexual deviance they never thought possible. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this is not an enjoyable film to watch. However, it does convey a startling message that these kinds of deplorable abuses don't just happen in other countries--they also occur here in America and it's something everyone should know about. So, to a certain degree this was a powerful film as far as it goes. Unfortunately, there were also a couple of flaws that bear mention as well. First of all, the film doesn't provide adequate character identification, so it was difficult to figure out the names of anyone at any particular time--the character played by Psalms Salazar being one such example. Likewise, the ending also left much to be desired as it raised more questions than it answered. Throw in some rather sordid footage in between and it can easily repel some viewers along the way. Be that as it may, while this film may be difficult for some people to watch it does merit some attention and for that reason, I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

I'm from the UK, and often visit the US, done some amazing trips, went to Hollywood with my parents in the 90s, Stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel opposite the Chinese Theatre, all i heard was gun shots and when we left the hotel, saw ladies of the night. We got the Stars coach tour, and suddenly this couple got up and tried to sell us drugs. My 1st visit to the US, and my last visit to Hollywood, you have the sign and the Chinese Theatre with the Museum and of course Disney.

Also remember my Dad loved to walk and went out for a early walk around 7am, got back to the hotel and the receptionist thought he was nuts. "to walk along Hollywood Boulevard on his own wearing a watch and rings.

Been to New York many times, walked about day and night never had that same vibe as LA gave me.

As Billy Joel sang, Goodbye to Hollywood.

To the review saying my review is fake: I have been a member for 8 years, probably wrote 100 short concise reviews and rated several hundreds of movies so my review is not fake, the low budget style makes you feel as if you are there with the actors, and as I said I enjoyed the voyeurism aspect of this movie, I never said it was a masterpiece neither.

I thought it would be kind of boring since low budget but it was actually good and entertaining.

I guess you can either watch it for its political statement / educational purpose or because you are curious and enjoy voyeurism which is my case.

Unexpectedly good movie. Reminds, not only because of the leading actress, of "Christiane F.: Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo" from 1981. Dark, depressing and ruthless!

It is not like we haven't heard about stories like that. Cautionary tales ... told or made to shine a light on something horrible that is happening. Or something that at least needs to change ... quite a lot to be honest. So while this morality piece is predictable as to where it leads (and it is quite painful to watch, even if it is not exploiting that pain too much), you may wonder if you really want to watch something as horrible as that.

That being said, the movie has merits for existing and unfortunately it is because what the story (or rather stories, because we do highlight different paths and struggles that do connect at some points) is saying and telling is relevant ... it would be easier to dismiss, if it was just fiction. Of course it also isn't every (hollywood) story ... that would be even more sad that it already is. Uncomfortable as it may be, it can be essential to some.