Go Fish

Go Fish is an audience film in that it needs a crowd to make its in-joke mentality pulse. In fact, it's hard to believe the film transcended its target demographic despite the fact that in its heart of hearts it's an old-fashioned love story. It feels amateurish upon solo home viewing, though retaining an iota of charm for its low-budget clunkiness and funkiness. While it basically tells the story of a young lesbian (played by Turner) looking for Ms. Right, and conforms to a standard scenario in that love is always found where it's least expected, it benefits mostly from Troche's ability to wring some wit out of "dyke drama" and, with her insider's point of view, poke gentle fun at it with a relatively sharp stick. --Paula Nechak

But this is a movie about people and about romance and about finding a partner. It's a universal theme, even if the particulars (Chicago lesbians) don't match mine (straight SoCal guy). Most refreshingly, it's a love story told without Hollywood cliche. Told well. Heartwarmingly so. It is a beautiful movie, but don't expect to be able to lean back in the easy chair and let your stereotypes watch it for you. This movie demands attention and pays a handsome reward of emotional gratification.

A solid four stars.

(If you'd like to discuss this movie or review with me, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me an email. Thanks!)


quality acting, diverse themes   May 16, 2000
Shelley Shay (Denton, TX **(God Bless the USA!!)**)
38 out of 39 found this review helpful

A gay friend of mine dragged me (kicking and screaming, I might add) to this film. I'm not gay, but I still got a kick out of this film. It was not what I expected. Tender moments, scenes that make you think and scenes that make you double over in your chair from laughter.

Definitely worthwhile seeing. An interesting black & white and often surreal view of a sub-culture within our American culture. An interesting & mind-provoking insight into what makes relationships work, regardless of your orientation. Is it looks, attitude, money?

The film is not for kids... this film has nudity, adult themes and some domestic violence.


Educational, Entertaining, Lesbians   June 11, 2004
K. A D. Veer (Redmond, Washington United States)
16 out of 20 found this review helpful

So here's how it happens: Max (Turner) is a young lesbian, not knowing exactly what to look for in a mate. Current qualifications: fashion sense. Needness to say, she's not having an easy time, until her roommate, a more experienced woman, begins to take an interest in finding someone for the lonely girl.

This movie portrays lesbian life in a very accurate way. The way the characters speak, dress and gesture all have a strong sense of reality. At the same time, the conversations are frequently quite funny and insightful. It's a wonderful and rare mix of humour and education, thanks to an extreamly well written script.

The only real weakness is the acting. The entire movie feels as though the cast mearly read the script then went and filmed it as soon as they could stumble over the words. However, the acting is at least consistant, which makes it easier to ignore, as opposed to inconsistantly played characters.

If you're into modern and accurate portraits of lesbian culture, "Go Fish" is a movie you will almost certainly enjoy.


Incredibly real...   December 6, 2003
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I'm a little confused why some people don't like this movie. It's on my top 10 list. (that means movies that I must convert from VHS to DVD) Here's why:

1. Realistic characters
2. Realistic scenario
3. Realistic inner conflict among characters
4. Excellent writing

Negative reviews for this movie are based on notions of some great lesbian society where everyone is beautiful and all lesbians despise men.
This movie depicts real lesbians with real thoughts. I believe that Daria's scene after having sex with a man, is very true and depicts typical reactions within the lesbian community.
I think the people that dislike this movie, perhaps feel a kinship to the negative ideals that this film tries to dispel. Nothing like being outed.
The premise is basic: pretty girl meets not-so-pretty girl, only to discover there's more to people than just looks. There's just a whole lot more...comedy, sex, coming-out, dispelling of stereotypes.
The only part I could do without is the first scene speculating on who might be gay. I just don't see the point.
The rest of the movie is refreshing and so completely non-Hollywood, that it deserves to be watched.


Home Movie Time!   January 24, 2002
12 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is a two hour home movie made by a lesbian and some of her friends. It's amateurish in every sense of the word. To describe the acting as cardboard would be to insult the charisma of shipping boxes. However, it's watchable despite its non-existent budget, condenscending script, and extremely untalented cast.

The plot: Pretty Gwen Turner finds happiness with a woman who looks just like the "Stork" from "Animal House."

Word of warning to guys cruising the video store for lesbian soft porn: Do not be fooled by the cover of this video. It's not lesbian soft-porn, but a black-and-white, pseudo-art film. Also with the exception of Ms. Turner- the rest of the cast, all female, are extremely unattractive. Although, the "Stork's" high-and-tight haircut does improve her looks- a little.