Go (Review)

Talk to the hand.

Go is definitely creative and ambitious, think of it as a US version of Human Traffic with Pulp Fiction (for the young and pretty) aspirations. Following the Pulp Fiction lite analogy it has a large cast of actors, none of whom really grab star billing, and the seemingly unrelated events all manage to intertwine by the final scenes. There are unexpected (and random) events and happenings, quirky characters and a surprisingly good soundtrack.

But in true “lite” fashion no-one is killed, swearing is kept to a minimum, and the accidental shooting is not in the face but the leg. There is even an accidental overdose through incorrect identification of illicit substances.

The more I think about it, the more I think QT should sue, though he lifts more stuff than anyone, he just calls it “homages”.

Go tells the same story from three perspectives:

1 / Follows a minor drug deal gone bad when the intended amateur-pusher Rhonna (Sarah Polley) works out that she is heading into a trap laid by a cop and two gay soap stars trying to themselves avoid jail and public shame.

This situation leads to Rhonna being unable to repay the true dealer Todd (Timothy Olyphant who is actually PG13 menacing) and trying to pull a swifty. Fortunately Todd only realizes once Rhonna has already collected her collateral, namely her best friend Claire (Kate Holmes), and because no-one can get away with fucking over a drug dealer he decides he must have his revenge.

The segment ends with a hit and run, dozens of teeny-bopper rave attendees experiencing the high only mild headache tablets can provide apparently, some screaming and an OD’d teen lying under a bunch of rubbish bins. (Told you it was quirky!)

2 / Meanwhile in another part of the film, Rhonna and Claire’s workmate Simon and his friends are on a trip to Vegas (Baby!) for some gambling and all the extras that go along with such an excursion.

This segment is the most action packed and rewarding for the gents, it has some sex-talk, a car chase, a shooting, a ménage a trios and one of the better strip club scenes in cinematic history, with nary a home grown boobie to be seen.

Without too much explanation Simon’s maiden trip to Vegas and his somewhat naïve misadventures culminates in Simon and his three buds departing in exceptionally hasty circumstances, with actual hardened tough guys on their trail.

3 / As it apparently must the finale wraps up proceedings. It deals with the botched drug sting from the first segment, only from the perspective of Adam (Scott West) and Zack (Jay Mohr) the couple of actors and the creepy cop Burt and later his wife. Thankfully Adam and Zack are refreshingly non-stereotypical (aside from one 10 second scene), and there is some genuine curiosity as to the intentions of Burt and his wife during post-sting din-dins which the boys only even attend to ensure that their respective records are wiped clean.

And in true cinematic fashion a delightful misunderstanding wraps everything back up.

Go is actually pretty clever and while it is no Memento or Pulp Fiction it will keep you interested for the duration – if not rewind back to the massive fakies’ scene!

It shows how quick decisions can often have bigger implications to the decision-maker than perhaps first envisaged, and it is refreshing to find a film with a bunch of believable (enough) people going about their lives and dealing in semi-ordinary events. There are no cliffhanger scenes, no brutal deaths or “everyone will die if you touch the blue wire” scenes. I like those films same as everyone else, but all day every day?? Not so much.

Go was made by Doug Liman, the man behind the immortal Swingers, and although it was a bit of a step down it still showed promise. Then he made Mr and Mrs Smith. Interpret that as you will…

Final Rating – 7.5 / 10. Inventive, interesting and creative if not mind blowing stuff. A pretty-good flick with a good-pretty cast.

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
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