Go for It!

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 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.

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.

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!

Before coming to Korea, someone recommended to see this movie and therefore I did. The plot is good because we can relate to this film on everyday life of a common people especially those who struggle to make a living. One thing good is, there is a moral lesson to the story, the choices we make to our life and that was conveyed in the story. Oftentimes, choices that we make in life make or breaks us. Friends that influence us, love us, envy us shape the way we think if we let them. Good to stand firm on what you believe in life especially if you are grounded properly. Bottom line is "you make your life." Hope people that will see it will look at it the way I see the movie. Warmest regards to the film maker. Also, good job and good luck on this movie.