Go for It! (2011) User Reviews

Waste of Producers money..and ours who watched it.

[mrlasvegas2u · 13 November 2011]

I am not only a fan of dance movies, but also a dancer and a fellow independent filmmaker/producer/actor. I always go out and watch and support every independent filmmaker who makes a movie on dancing, because that is my passion. I have to say I was very disappointed by this movie. When I found out they spent over $2.4 million on this movie, I was very sad!!

There are so many talented filmmakers who could have made this movie better for half the budget. I give the director credit for finishing a movie, and getting it distributed, but that doesn't mean anything when the people that financed this movie will never recover even half of their investments.

I am not a hater. I wanted to love this movie, and I payed money to rent it from blockbuster. Here is my constructive feedback for the director: The DP work was horrible, he has no idea how to film a dance movie. Half the dance routines can't be seen properly, and isn't that the reason people go to watch dance movies?? I guess I can blame the editor or the director, but a DP should have guided the first time director. SECOND, the lighting is so horrible, it makes the whole experience unpleasant. Look, a dance movie is meant for a younger audience, bright lighting not only sets an upbeat fun mood, but it's better visually when we are trying to watch the dancing. I am sorry, nice effort on the directors part, but before you go out and spend that kind of money, please do the research, watch other successful movies in that genre. I am watching this movie as I am writing this, and I am so annoyed that I cannot even see the dancing clearly to enjoy this movie. The acting was not bad, which is a step up from most dance movies. Directing was OK, minus directing the dance scenes. I give the director credit for finishing a movie for sure, but her lack of experience clearly shows through out the movie. What I am saying is also clearly evident by the box office outcome.

ALSO: Stop having friends write reviews. It's funny when someone compares this movie to Good Will Hunting. That's a joke right!!! This kind of stuff undermines the director's efforts and talent even more. Look, the fact is, she is work in progress, let her bloom. Don't fill her head with BS. A real criticism will make her a stronger and better filmmaker. Don't feed her ego with garbage. Sorry if this critique offends anyone, but I say it as I see it. I am very critical of my own work as well, and I'm always striving to learn and grow myself. Good luck to the director, and I hope you keep making movies and you keep getting better.

Totally rubbish

[edbok1995 · 1/10 · 27 December 2013]

First i wanted to try my SONY TV on 3D.I ordered by mistake on ebay this movie as it was the cheapest 3D Blu-ray DVD .I put it on on 3D ,there was not any effect of 3D at all ...After i continue watching on normal blue- ray..half way i cut it off cause on meaning of the movie totally rubbish movie never see such a worst and no passion movie to watch..No dance Technic or happy to watch,just low life people on it.Lets break it down a bit the meaning of this movie.. -no dance ,not good ca-rater to play .first of all it started OK by giving a school teenager life wanted to dance but after went all wrong by putting the teacher into student live fixing - never can been teacher fixing your live problem into movie ,it doesn't make any sense how the director putting on this movie ..Sec by killing her room mate from other guy ,what that has to do into dance movie ...killing people about krackheads problem cause the didn't let them to have sex... Im totally Million % give a big 1 out of 10 (1/10)

Sadly unentertaining

[mentiramivida6 · 1/10 · 26 May 2023]

I really enjoy dance movies but sadly there aren't many that are entertaining and actually well made. I've only truly enjoyed Save the last Dance and Honey. Both had great music, good chemistry amongst the actors, dope moves and perfect stage presence. Carmen came off as very stiff and uncomfortable not only when dancing but just speaking. Without Gina in the scenes there was nothing making you want to continue watching. Sure it has a nice story but if the actors can't do two things required of them then the film is a flop.

If you like dancing movies don't go in wanting or expecting one. If you see this, see it knowing it's more of a lifetime coming of age flic.

Great Job for a First Time Out of The Gate!

[jgreene-17 · 10/10 · 18 May 2011]

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!

A dance film with an incredibly moving story driving the heart of the film.

[yogafun2011 · 10/10 · 29 May 2011]

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.

Wonderful street dance film by first time director.

[afrotrek · 8/10 · 21 June 2011]

Carmen Marron had no previous experience in film except as a casual moviegoer. She didn't spend years learning and honing her craft, nor was she educated at UCLA's film school or Columbia College.

Yet, with the financial assistance of her husband, she went on to direct "Go For It" a film that explores the lives of Carmen Salgado (Aimee Garcia), her best friend Gina (Gina Rodriguez), families and the influence of dance in their lives.

With dance scenes choreographed by four different choreographers - Kristin Denehy, Alison Faulk, Ruth Inchaustegui and Rino Nakasone - "Go For It" gives us lively and varied dance with driving beats.

The story is not unique, we've seen a version in just about every film of the genre.

Carmen wants to dance with her hip hop troupe in her Logan Square (Chicago) neighborhood. Though not against her dancing, most in her family would rather her pursue an education, specifically her father who is a garbage collector.

Her best friend Gina is in a toxic relationship with a ill tempered boy whose only interested is deviant sexual acts with her all while he chases other girls. It's a relationship that Carmen is against but Gina is determined to maintain because of her own low self esteem.

In school, Carmen is under the watchful eye of her teacher Frank (Al Bandiero) who wants her to apply for a school in Los Angeles that teaches dance so she can get away from the hood. However, he has his own demons that continue to haunt him.

As in most films of this nature, dance is Carmen's only release. She practices everyday after school in the park with the rest of the local dance troupe. Most of their performances are at a local underground club that offers of dance slams.

In the middle of all this, she gets involved with a middle class white boy from Evanston who seems genuinely interested in her and consequently pulling her in a separate direction altogether.

The theme is fairly close to films like "Flashdance" and "Footloose" with elements of "Dirty Dancing", "Step Up" and even "Saturday Night Live" tossed in.

However, instead of sticking with middle of the road hip hop dance sequences, Ms Marron mixed the themes with the addition of Asian and Flamenco nuances. Combined with crack cinematography by Christian Sprenger "Go For It" delivers delightful dance scenes that entertain but don't overwhelm.

More impressively - this is Carmen's first film...with no film background! "Go For It" is far from perfect in that it joins a growing list of dance slam films. Yet it is infinitely better than films developed by directors with extensive film backgrounds and training. Ms Marron proved to be a quick study with a stylish, entertaining film. Continue to go for it Carmen! - Geoffrey Burton

Young women tries to overcome life's difficulties thru education and dance

[pochohouse · 8/10 · 27 June 2011]

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.

Beautiful movie with a powerful message

[rlgeisel · 10/10 · 29 June 2011]

On a shoestring budget Carmen Marron has produced a wonderful first film. She obviously has a big heart and great compassion for the underdog. Her actors portray their characters in a believable manner and the cultural values of the community are realistically represented. The high energy dance scenes provide a perfect complement to the compelling plot line. There is a good mixture of the harsh reality of life in the projects juxtaposed with the joy from dancing that the lead character has, and this also personifies her personal struggle between breaking away and continuing on a path that will perpetuate the generational cycle of poverty and dysfunction.

A must see movie...

[chrisbetta · 9/10 · 23 June 2011]

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.

Great debut for indie film director Carmen Marron

[babybrunnhilde1 · 8/10 · 25 June 2011]

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.

Inspirational! Took me by surprise!

[pbradleya · 10/10 · 22 June 2011]

This movie took me by surprise. I'm not a music/dance film fan, but found myself drawn in by the story and characters. All I really knew from the trailer was that the film had great music and an interesting look. I was not really aware of the culture of dance teams/crews and found myself drawn in by the fascinating storyline of the characters inhabiting this world. The location shooting and visual style of the film becomes almost another character. That GO FOR IT was a first effort by writer/director Carmen Marron is even more impressive. Ms Marron is an inspiration for all of us and her film underscores the importance of having a dream and "going for it!"