Go Fish
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Movie Reviews of Go Fish
Movie Review: A better screenplay than film
Summary: 3 Stars
To my mind, independent lesbian films almost usually fall into one of two categories: the coming-out story (which is, of course, going to be relevant to almost all of the intended audience), and the somewhat harsher look at the social, political, and familial ramifications of being a gay woman (definitely relevant). "Go Fish" eschews both of these traditions, while still occasionally playing them tribute.
It looks like an independent film, and it feels like an independent film, but it's smarter than it first appears. The script is very quick, balancing what is really a romantic comedy with darker, more substantial undertones, including some of the "what does it mean to be a lesbian?" questions I alluded to above. It functions almost like a classic Greek play, with the very best moments being played as an aside to the action, through the conceit of the chorus (which I kept thinking of as the "lesbian brains trust"). This would probably be a great stage play, and credit must go to Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner for making something so fresh out of very traditional roots.
Unfortunately, the acting just about kills "Go Fish" before it even gets out of the gate. With the possible exception of Anastasia Sharp as Daria, only Guinevere Turner seems capable of moving and speaking her lines in a natural, comfortable fashion. Most of the actors seem so stilted, delivering very normal, day-in-the-life dialogue in clipped, nervous tones that are conscious of being watched by a camera. I understand the director probably wanted to save money - indeed, may even have wanted a real-life feel to her work - but I can't think of anything more detrimental to a film like this. While I would probably enjoy sitting and reading the screenplay, I don't think I could watch the whole film again. The performances are just too irritating. Even characters I enjoyed - like T. Wendy McMillan's Kia - began to wear on my nerves by the second half, and that's a bad sign for a film that, without the credits, is barely 80 minutes long.
So, do I recommend you see "Go Fish"? If you're interested in this type of film, then - yes. You should rent and see it once, for sure. It's still worthwhile viewing, but I wish I could give it a heartier recommendation; unfortunately, the only extra on the DVD is the original trailer, so the only reason you have to get the film is the film itself. Just try, if you can, to see the good ideas presented beneath the weak acting. They are about a hundred times more interesting than those in more watchable, slicker films of this sub-genre.
Movie Review: Worth seeing
Summary: 3 Stars
I watched this movie after turning off The Ninth Gate. Compared with Polanski's plodding film, I found this refreshing, invigorating. There are visual effects reminiscent of Godard, Bergman, Cassavetes, Warhol. Very interesting. Some parts were lame, such as the gathering of female heads to discuss the prospects of the relationship between Eli and Max, but other scenes made up for this.
In one scene the talking heads are discussing what to call the female genitals, and no one says the "p" word. That surprised me.
The movie did seem a bit sanitized, like Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. No bitchiness, no cruelty, no stealing your friend's girlfriend... The goodhearted confrérie of lesbians was a little cloying.
Finally, I ordered this film from Netflix because I thought it was by a filmmaker who made a legendary lesbian film in 1974. But her filmography says she is much younger. I ordered the wrong "Go Fish" by the wrong filmmaker.
Movie Review: Playing hard to get
Summary: 3 Stars
Lesbian love story set in Chicago. The two main characters that everyone in lesbian community is trying to hook up are polar opposites. One is young and pretty, while the other one is older and homely looking. Both are looking for the right love interest in their lives and are not rushing in their pursuit of finding one. While acting is somewhat substandard, we do get close to this story as everyone, regardless of the gender can relate to sincere efforts of finding a true love. In addition to intimate view of lesbian life and community, film also raises other questions such as commitment between two people, diversion of lesbian woman in sexual relationship with a man and what it means to other lesbian's perception of her.Movie Review: not as bad as the reviews make it out to be
Summary: 3 Stars
I recently bought a copy because I saw it for sale for $2 at a flea market. I had been curious to watch it, but kind of put off by all the negative reviews printed here. The reality? The movie is definitely not as bad as the reviews make it out to be. The acting is ok, except for Guin Turner, who really does seem like she's reading off cue cards. The storyline is amazing, and the girls seem like real lesbians, versus Hollywood's idea of what a lesbian is supposed to look like (i.e., blonde, thin, femme). There is such a variety of lesbians here: black, Spanish, white, butch, femme, and in-between. The black and white gives it a nice artistic quality. Definitely worth a look.Movie Review: Black and White Story
Summary: 3 Stars
A doco-style story of attracted each to other females and their deliberations related covered same gender affairs and possibility to play with men.
A bit boring if even some scences somehow included for a few minutes in.