Sallywood

When you want to tell a real-life story, even one with difficult "episodes," use humor. This is what the best stand- up comics do, and why they are successful. They cull from their own lives, and this is what audiences relate to and identify with. Xaque Gruber does this so well! Humor gets us through life's challenges. The casting is superb, with actors you recognize, and they are wonderful. This is what a good "Indie" film is meant to be. This is a family-friendly movie, and those are hard to come by these days. There is something for all ages to love and enjoy. See this, and your day will be happier, I guarantee.

This is an utterly charming film. It honors a storied actor who has never given up striving for the perfect role and tells the real-life story of her relationship with a sweetly naive Hollywood newcomer who refuses to lose sight of his own goals. Tyler Steelman is just right as Zack and Tom Donnelly is outstanding as a hustler looking for a way into the Hollywood game. In many ways this movie is a throwback to the glorious moment for indie films in the late '90s and early '00s. It proves once again that you don't need computer graphics or studio glitz to make a film that demonstrates real affection for its characters and a spirit of hope and optimism -- all leavened with irony-free humor. Xaque Gruber's first feature-length film should move him firmly onto the path toward a solid future as a crowd-pleasing writer-director in Hollywood.

Sallywood is filled with humor and pathos, heartwarming and zany at the same time... a beautiful story, well told. This film deftly tackles the oft-taboo topic of ageism --so pervasive in Hollywood, media and our country -- with heart, humanity and grace. This is a movie for artists and optimists, for the dreamers who dare to dream, and then go for it.

As a feature debut, Xaque Gruber's story is a triumph, and the top tier cast is superb. Sally Kirkland delivers a poignant and mesmerizing performance, stealing every scene she's in.

In these cynical times, we're all craving something light and hopeful and warm. Sallywood is what a movie is supposed to be: an entertaining escape to make us laugh, tear up, reflect. It is the feel-good film we all need right now!

I didn't know what to expect. I actually do know that Xaque Gruber is an extremely talented writer, but... This film is a triumph. The actors are amazing. The script is funny and real and and every word and scene tell a story that we can and do relate to while we laugh, and cry, and care. Xaque Gruber as writer/director brought a true story to life with his amazing cast and crew that will resonate for generations.

Xaque (the protagonist, brilliantly acted by Tyler Steelman) comes to Hollywood from Maine. He has had a loving upbringing in rural Maine, and starts the film off with a truly funny reveal of how he went to Hollywood with a fan-crush on Sally Kirkland. Sally is at best a handful and at worst at self-absorbed narcissist extreme. As the film's star, Sally dives in, and shows us that yes, this may be a troublesome part of who she is, but she is also loving, deserving of love, and one of the best actresses ever on screen, despite the apparent poverty of her life in Hollywood as she ages and struggles to even make car repairs.

I can't wait to see this film again. The acting was brilliant, and what a cast. I credit Gruber with bringing this story to life in a way that is not only believable, but so funny and genuine. Hope many will watch and love.

I saw Sallywood at the Silicon Beach Film Festival and what a gem! The cast were all amazing and played effortlessly off of each other. The story was incredibly well written, so honest and truly heartwarming as we follow Sally and Zach in their new friendship, her pursuing her next big role and him pursuing a career in writing. I was either smiling or laughing out loud the entire way through and loved the moments of absolute silliness. The love between Sally and Zack shines through and I was lucky enough to meet Sally, director Xaque Gruber and other cast members after the show. If you get the chance, you've got to see this movie!!!