Go for It!

On a shoestring budget Carmen Marron has produced a wonderful first film. She obviously has a big heart and great compassion for the underdog. Her actors portray their characters in a believable manner and the cultural values of the community are realistically represented. The high energy dance scenes provide a perfect complement to the compelling plot line. There is a good mixture of the harsh reality of life in the projects juxtaposed with the joy from dancing that the lead character has, and this also personifies her personal struggle between breaking away and continuing on a path that will perpetuate the generational cycle of poverty and dysfunction.

An impressive first-time effort from emerging filmmaker Carmen Marron. This movie manages, though dealing with familiar themes, to touch the heart and make the coming-of-age story of a young dancer who finds the courage to "go for" her dreams come alive. The message that Ms. Marron is sending with her film is an inspirational one, that hard work, perseverance and belief in oneself can, and will, change lives for the better. At the end of the film after acing her audition, the viewer doesn't know exactly what will happen to the lead character Carmen, but it's satisfying to see that she had the determination to break out of her constraining life to go in a different direction. Realistic and slice-of-life acting from a large ensemble cast, and production values far beyond the film's budget.

Dance films can be quite entertaining because they provide movement which means a lot of action for the viewer's eyes. Of course, there is the question of story. It's dance but is it interesting? Fortunately, this film has both. For the first 1/3 of the film one must be patient because the director takes her time to setup the story. The viewer is rewarded with an entertaining, intense, and uplifting last 2/3 of the film. Street dancing is still popular all over the world's major cities and not just in the U.S. This is Ms. Marron's first film project and to deliver such a story on such a low budget is inspiring to any new filmmaker. A must see because it is just not "another" dance film.

I am not only a fan of dance movies, but also a dancer and a fellow independent filmmaker/producer/actor. I always go out and watch and support every independent filmmaker who makes a movie on dancing, because that is my passion. I have to say I was very disappointed by this movie. When I found out they spent over $2.4 million on this movie, I was very sad!!

There are so many talented filmmakers who could have made this movie better for half the budget. I give the director credit for finishing a movie, and getting it distributed, but that doesn't mean anything when the people that financed this movie will never recover even half of their investments.

I am not a hater. I wanted to love this movie, and I payed money to rent it from blockbuster. Here is my constructive feedback for the director: The DP work was horrible, he has no idea how to film a dance movie. Half the dance routines can't be seen properly, and isn't that the reason people go to watch dance movies?? I guess I can blame the editor or the director, but a DP should have guided the first time director. SECOND, the lighting is so horrible, it makes the whole experience unpleasant. Look, a dance movie is meant for a younger audience, bright lighting not only sets an upbeat fun mood, but it's better visually when we are trying to watch the dancing. I am sorry, nice effort on the directors part, but before you go out and spend that kind of money, please do the research, watch other successful movies in that genre. I am watching this movie as I am writing this, and I am so annoyed that I cannot even see the dancing clearly to enjoy this movie. The acting was not bad, which is a step up from most dance movies. Directing was OK, minus directing the dance scenes. I give the director credit for finishing a movie for sure, but her lack of experience clearly shows through out the movie. What I am saying is also clearly evident by the box office outcome.

ALSO: Stop having friends write reviews. It's funny when someone compares this movie to Good Will Hunting. That's a joke right!!! This kind of stuff undermines the director's efforts and talent even more. Look, the fact is, she is work in progress, let her bloom. Don't fill her head with BS. A real criticism will make her a stronger and better filmmaker. Don't feed her ego with garbage. Sorry if this critique offends anyone, but I say it as I see it. I am very critical of my own work as well, and I'm always striving to learn and grow myself. Good luck to the director, and I hope you keep making movies and you keep getting better.

This movie took me by surprise. I'm not a music/dance film fan, but found myself drawn in by the story and characters. All I really knew from the trailer was that the film had great music and an interesting look. I was not really aware of the culture of dance teams/crews and found myself drawn in by the fascinating storyline of the characters inhabiting this world. The location shooting and visual style of the film becomes almost another character. That GO FOR IT was a first effort by writer/director Carmen Marron is even more impressive. Ms Marron is an inspiration for all of us and her film underscores the importance of having a dream and "going for it!"