Seriously Red

I read mixed reviews for this movie before going to see it but I always have an open mind. I adored it..it made me want to laugh and cry and clap my hands all at the same time. Being a country music fan helped with the music content as I sang along and tapped my feet but don't let that stop you going if you aren't a Dolly and Kenny fan.

So heartfelt and funny and sad and genuine all rolled into one. I thought it was a masterpiece and over too soon. I felt like jumping to my feet with a standing ovation at the end and I couldn't stop smiling.e

If I was Dolly Parton I would he very happy with this film !

One small warning...contains nudity..quite a bit !

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.

"Seriously Red" is a comedy with a powerful message about shedding your skin (sometimes literally) and finding out who you are underneath it all and who you really want to be.

It's something that alludes some people their entire lives.

I've been lucky and answered my calling as a Radio Show host of both on Music and Talk Back Radio and journalist at some of the best stations in Australia during my long, high rating and award winning career.

Then when the timing was right during a perfect storm I reinvented myself as a Voice Over Actor/Talent...something that had always been on the back burner.

Who knows what's next for any of us?

There was a time when people held down one job till they got their gold watch and retired, but not anymore.

Actress turned screenplay writer Krew Boylan taps into that and asked herself these questions when she stepped into the ambitious stilettos of a Dolly Parton impersonator.

She wrote a lead role for herself as "Red" a failed Realtor looking to follow her dreams, hopes and aspirations beyond the 9 to 5.

But this movie cuts like a knife, even deeper.

One moment you are laughing out loud and the next crying as the lead character and others deal with body dysmorphic disorder.

A condition that can't be cured, only treated.

If it's chronic it can last for years or be lifelong.

It's a mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.

This film marks the 5th collaboration between the seemingly flawless real life partners Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne as EP plus they both have pivotal roles on screen.

"Seriously Red" was filmed on location in Australia at Tweed Heads, Bryon Bay, Brunswick Heads and the Gold Coast.

The movie's director Gracie Otto is part of the Otto acting dynasty and does a great job of herding the cats in the musical based Dolly Parton inspired dramedy with a great soundtrack.

Parton fans will enjoy "Seriously Red" and it will find a cult audience in the Rainbow Community as has the lady herself.

Don't get me wrong it's a very funny Aussie movie also starring Daniel Webber as the worlds best "Kenny Rogers" impersonator.

Plus comedian and author Celeste Barber as "Teeth".

Just wait till you hear how she got her nickname.

The movies central theme reminded me of the timeless 1932 classic Tod Browning production of "Freaks" in a good way, even though it's not a horror movie.

Believe me that's a huge compliment coming from this reviewer.

Watch out for: Comedian and actress Jean Kittson as "Reds" mum "Viv" who gets to drop some very funny lines and truly learn to love her daughter.

Don't forget "Rocky Horrors" Nell (Little Nell) Campbell as "Doc Nell".

Tony Barry is kind of wasted as "Gramps" and another iconic Aussie actor Jack Thompson is on screen with no script. WTAF?

I would have loved to hear both of them deliver more lines.

While you're watching play spot the real celebrity pretending to be a copy of themselves at "The Copy Club" and others who actually make a career out of tribute acts including; 3 Brisbane locals, "Killer Queens" John Blunt, Trevor Ashley as Barbra Streisand and Gregory Andrew as Sir Elton John.

In fact, this piece of cinema is a beautiful homage to the sub-culture of Tribute Acts.

No doubt you already know there are two kinds of people.

Those who know how to have a good time and those who are willing to learn.

It's a weird enough movie I'll give you that so I'll throw you a bone.

Watch "Seriously Red" it's seriously fun.

This wild sequinned goose chase won't end well though for some of the players.

Krew Boylan shows us what she's made of and knocks it out of the park, so just wait for the awards nominations.

Boylan proves it costs a lot of money to look that cheap.

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!