Go for It!

I love the movie Go For It! The writing, acting and dancing were fantastic. Even though the story revolves around Carmen a high school student all ages will be moved and inspired by this film. Carmen is struggling to grow up in an urban environment with lots of issues that real teens today have to confront. The movie stressed the value of education and following your dreams with hard work. Each of the actors is a fully developed person. Many films in this genre rely on stereotypes and fancy footwork alone. While the dancing is top notch, the humanity of the characters is what sets this film apart. All races and ages can relate to the challenges presented in this film. The friendship portrayed between Carmen and Gina is particularly moving. Both of these fine young actresses were funny and brought me to tears! Carmen's relationship with her family and the family conflicts are once again universal. I believe that this is a great film for parents to take their tween and teens to see. There will be great conversation after the film.

I saw this film a couple of times. Yes, it is an often-told story of rags to riches and yes, another dance film. But what makes this film so unique is the story behind it. The filmmaker, Ms. Marron, raised all the capital herself to finance its production. She put together the actors, the crew, the musicians, the post people and worked tirelessly on her project. Then upon completion, she screened at festival after festival to rave reviews. The creme de la creme comes in the form of a major distributor, Lions Gate, who also believed in Ms. Marron's film. For a first time filmmaker to have this kind of success is rare, on par with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and their Miramax breakthrough. So props to Ms. Marron for her hard won success! See this film and help support independent filmmaking!

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!"

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.

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.