Humor Meets Harsh Reality in Pioneer Journey

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Go West
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Genre: Comedy, Western
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Jeremy Warner, Stephen Meek
Writer(s): Adam Berg, Whitney Call, Mallory Everton, Jason Gray, Stacey Harkey, Natalie Madsen, Stephen Meek, Matt Meese, James Perry, Jeremy Warner
Cast: Sean Astin, Adam Berg, Whitney Call, Mallory Everton, Jason Gray, Stacey Harkey, Natalie Madsen, Stephen Meek, Matt Meese, James Perry, Jeremy Warner
Where To Watch: exclusively in theaters nationwide on August 11, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Jumping from the TV sketches of Studio C, we're presented with an engaging cinematic experiment, GO WEST. We follow a tale about two fearless sisters who set out on an Oregon Trail adventure, joined by a ragtag group of pioneers, searching for their elusive sanctuary in the wild, ruthless West of the 1800s. This journey of grit and survival, seasoned with humor and thrill, dives into harsh winters, treacherous landscapes, and looming threats of the untamed West.

GO WEST emerges from the nurturing hands of the fresh-faced JK! Studios an establishment dedicated to delivering clean and wholesome comedy. The studio blends the Western and Comedy genres into a cinematic stew for its first full-length film. At the helm of this creative vessel are directors Stephen Meek and Jeremy Warner, supported by a charismatic cast from JK! Studios. Sean Astin, cherished for his performance as Sam in THE LORD OF THE RINGS, lends his seasoned voice as the narrator of this comedic adventure.

Fasten your seatbelts for a wild ride with a diverse group of pioneers led by the quirky Captain Evander Lillianquist (Matthew Meese). The tenacious store owner, Robert Failure Gladstone (Whitney Call), relentlessly pursues them, and her reliable sidekick Chesterton (Jason Gray), is triggered by a minor disagreement over supplies. This ensuing comedy unfolds amidst the harsh reality of the Wild West. Our story stars two sisters: Aveline, a widow (Natalie Madsen), and her delicate sister Cora (Mallory Everton), who brave the West to reunite with their family. Their journey is sprinkled with eccentric characters who add a spark of charm to their adventurous trek.

My biggest issue is that I think there may have been too many cooks in the writer's room; with six writers, the ability to end up with a cohesive script that flows is nearly impossible. Some of the most significant issues I see in films are when there are too many writers, directors, producers, etc. Sometimes less is more; at the same time, having one person wear too many hats can be just as bad. Thankfully the overall product remains relatively unscathed and overcomes this hurdle.

Bringing GO WEST to life took a lot of work. The team spent many brainstorming sessions developing characters and sketches, culminating in Natalie Madsen, Mallory Everton, and Whitney Call spending a weekend in an Airbnb to craft a narrative arc that helps to overcome the multiple views of the writing room and after months of refinement, brainstorming transformed into a screenplay ready for production.

Shot in just 15 ½ days across various Utah locales, the crew faced an unexpected challenge when snow fell on the third day of shooting. This sudden weather shift led to an impromptu decision to incorporate snow scenes during post-production. Despite such unforeseen obstacles, the team's transition to feature filmmaking was smoother than anticipated – a testament to their resilience and unity.

As independent artists, they've extended their responsibilities to include production, editing, and even logistics, granting them more creative control and ownership. In a way, GO WEST serves as both a catchy '70s tune and a rallying cry for this innovative team, mirroring the journey they showcase in their film as they pioneer into unexplored comedic frontiers.

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[photo courtesy of PURDIE DISTRIBUTION]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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