Seriously Red

You know what, from the shorts i thought this film was going to be a riot, sadly though for me it wasn't.

I'm not sure if it was down to the direction, or the production, or even ther story telling or what! But the one minute it's a slapstick comedy, then the next it's a serious socal issues film and then it's inwardly naval gazing self awareness film.

It's such a shame because there is a bucket load of tallent there, and it's a good story, i just wish it chose a route and stuck to it.

But as they say you pays your money and you take your choice. I found it disapointing, whereas my partner, she loved it!

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 don't like movies were they sing all the time, I hate karaoke so impersonators are not on my favourite list either and I don't particularly like music from Dolly Parton even though I know some of her famous songs like anyone else I guess, and even for a comedy I didn't laugh much but I still was entertained by Seriously Red. More as drama with a lot of singing and performing, but not cringing to watch. The impersonator of Kenny Rodgers was the funniest character of the bunch. His duets with Dolly Parton were worth a watch. The acting was the good thing about this movie, no one terribly failed even not with the impersonations. Just don't expect an hilarious comedy.

Look for the handsome extra at the 46-minute mark when they are in Hong Kong, and at the hour and 21 minute where we're at Twin Towns Casino, Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia.

Seriously, it is a story about a loose canon becoming an independent woman when her strained mother-daughter relationship is further wedged when lies, costumes, and make-believe coalesce. Her journey is littered in let downs and undervalued courage. She meets pretenders who know who they are as she pretends to know who she wants to be dressed as her moral guide and idol, Dolly Parton.

When Red, the clumsy Real Estate Agent, burns bridges at a work party and becomes the woman she admires, to standing ovation, an impersonators' manager offers her a path out of her predicament. Out of the pot and into a saucepan as Red juggles her persona, wigs, and lacklustre breasts! Yes! Boob job to top off her transformation.

Knowing the actress also wrote this semiautobiographical comedy, and her bravura during the casino scenes at Tweed, elevates the film in my mind. Although there was a lot of film on the Cutting Room floor, as first hand witness to a bunch of takes that were unused, I can attest, the finished cut did the job in shorthand. It is a shame there is no bonus material to see what could have been.

Seeing her childhood best friend find happiness encourages Red to find hers, in the unlikeliest of places: a bar for trans impersonators! For those who do not understand metaphor, the shedding of her costume represents a new start. A new skin to take on the next project, whatever it may be.

Great performances by Daniel Webber: doing a spot-on Kenny Rogers; Celeste Barber: hilarious throughout, with an unfortunately cringe-worthy nickname, but her face in a Grease-like dream sequence takes the prize; and an Elvis impersonator that takes a few double takes to recognise, if you know the cast list! Even then, Elvis is a mystery in this film as in real life! Thomas Campbell unashamedly camp in his Bowie outfit, and a pleasure throughout. His voice is not heard, as Red drowns it out in her flamboyant fashion. And, finally, Bobby 'Antman's ex's new beau' Cannavale can also sing! His Lou Diamond impersonation deserves a whole outright movie with him headlining. It's that good! And on a personal note, Bobby: Sorry for not smiling and for looking like a dead mullet during your scene at the Hong Kong set. We'd been there since 4 a.m., and I was just sincerely in awe that you were in this small Aussie film being shot in my backyard...so to speak.

The scenes I'm referring occurred very late the night our nation closed its state borders due to the pandemic. I could have walked across the border to my home in Queensland, but I drove through the highway and got locked in as they were putting the barricades up. Took my a good long two hours to cross that invisible line! When I finally reached the officer that was getting a feel for the situation, he apologised that I had been waiting so long when they should have had two lanes, one to let QLD plates through, and the other to check the Blues' papers to cross over. He admitted to that, but it still took a long time to go home. This is why I think the filmmakers listed all of us extras in the credits! Thank you for that! Thank you, Krew, for sharing your story with the world! Well done!

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.