Gut-to-Go

Gut to Go does exactly the opposite of what most comedies do nowadays. It avoids cheap humor and steers clear of gross-out jokes. There is nothing cookie cutter or predictable about it. The humor is intelligent, clever and not at all recycled. I smiled the entire time I watched this film, and laughed often. But most importantly I left the theater feeling inspired and upbeat, as this film has such a great message about body- issues and the media and society's attempt to make women feel bad about themselves while pumping the male ego. As a woman who has struggled with weight issues for most of her life and has suffered in my personal and professional life because of it, only to see men with bellies thrive, this movie affected me on a profound level. I thank the brilliant filmmaker Bri Prooker for that. We need more women filmmakers like her to give us women a voice and to make audiences think -- and laugh out loud!!

There are so many laudatory things to be said about the acting and the cinematography and the characters… but mostly I just want to say thank you. Thank you to filmmaker Bri Prooker for making a movie for us women. And I don't say that in a "feminist" way as though only women will – or should – enjoy GUT-TO-GO. I saw plenty of men in the audience laughing, if not drooling a bit as one of Prooker's three character's reenacted the "Maniac" bit of Flashdance. I say that purely as a woman who craves more films with strong morals for women. Prooker shows us the absurdity of the double standard; one in which women have to exercise day in and day out and starve themselves in order to look good for men who may or may not have guts! I won't spoil anything but GUT- TO-GO is the answer to a NYT article that said men should pack on the pounds to appear sexy. I remember distinctly during her Q&A that Ms. Prooker asked when there's ever going to be a new "trend" that says it's OK for women to put on weight and fill out their hips. She mentioned that the only beauty trends there ever are for women are how to lose those extra pounds to get him to like you and be able to fit into your skinny jeans. I applauded her so loud because it's so true. What I find remarkable about GUT-TO-GO is that it doesn't just make a strong, feel-good point; it's also laugh-out-loud funny. So I think anyone with a sense of humor will like this film, whether or not you feel as strongly as I do about its powerful message for women.

First off, I can't believe Prooker's Gut-To-Go is based off a real NYT article that actually said "it's hip" for men to be ROUND! But at the same time, what else is new?! Men have always gotten away with packing on the pounds without losing any kind of power or prestige. But if Jennifer Aniston puts on two pounds it's suddenly breaking news! I love love love that Prooker's film takes a big jab at this double standard while making you laugh at the same time. Brilliant writing and hilarious all around. I would also like to praise Prooker on her remarkable acting ability. I had NO IDEA she played all three female leads in her film until she mentioned it so casually during a Q&A. My jaw just about dropped!

So I don't often feel compelled to write reviews, but Bri Prooker's "Gut- To-Go" has inspired me to make the effort. Mostly because it sparkles with true intelligence, wit and freshness, which you don't see a lot of in Hollywood and even in the so-called indie world. Prooker's script is flat-out brilliant. It calls to arms a real problem with the way women are portrayed in the media in comparison to men, but does so in a way that bears no resemblance to anger or angst. Prooker finds humor in the utter ridiculousness of how the media is so quick to accept flaws in men and even quicker to point out flaws in women. This film will make you laugh and smile and maybe even question society's double standard for men and women.

I found this movie to be very entertaining and showed a lot of creativity. It flowed well, and had a funny story line. Bri did a great job with her different characters, displaying a wide range of personalities and moods for her characters. It was a funny turn of what is going on with society today in regards to being thin and fit. It was refreshing to watch something that isn't typical. The photography was well done and the costumes were hilarious! I thought the story line moved along easily and it was interesting to see what might happen next. Not your typical movie. If you're looking for something new, refreshing, entertaining, this is a movie to see. I look forward to seeing what she will do next. I am sure it will be as entertaining, if not more!~