You Got Nothin'

I saw this excellent film at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose last year and thought it was the best film there. I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to see all the films at the festival in 2003 because I worked in the PR department. 'You Got Nothin' is subtly hilarious, the acting superb and the camera work is literally flawless. It has a very 'Reservoir Dogs' feel to it and the dark humor is pulled off by these darling actors brilliantly. I have to say, the scene between Joey (the main character) and Nickie (his girlfriend in the film and in real life) in the restaurant hallway is my favorite! Everyone I spoke with at the festival loved this film! If you get the chance, see this incredible film!

I just saw this film at Phoenix Film Festival. You Got Nothing certainly has something... It was definitely the funniest film that I have seen this year so far. The actors did a superb job at acting. This was a funny movie, that truly brought out true real characters.

The two main actors also both wrote the movie, which was very unique and Joey also directed it. After the film at the festival there was a Q and A and it was funny to see how well the two main actors got along and I think it really showed in their performances on screen. It reminded me some of Jon Faverau's MADE, but with a lot less blood and shall I say a little funnier.

The film looked great and it was so well edited and put together it truly looked like a high budget film, it was shot in High Definition and look superb. The score/soundtrack was great, I loved it! I certainly hope that this film can get released to more screens!

I believe this movie has a high potential for finding an audience that will identify with the main character who "can't get out of his own way". The action and interaction between the characters is fresh and funny, and brings me back to an earlier time in my culture when kids with good hearts ended up being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They inspire us to help one another find direction in life and remind us of the need for a good friend or a helping hand. The characters in this movie are extremely likable, and I came to care about them very much. I wanted them to succeed because I was able to identify with their innate goodness despite extraordinary circumstances they got themselves into. The dialogue was cute and funny and kept my interest, as did the twisting plot. I kept waiting for a "bomb to drop" on one of them and hoped things would "work out". They almost did in the end, but at the final moment, the twist was also very true to life and well done. I highly recommend this light-hearted "first effort" because I believe it will go far. I can't wait for the actor's next movie and I hope the public will give this film a chance to shine - as I know it will.

I don't see this movie getting wide distribution, not because there are no big names attached but because it's just not interesting enough, uses too many recycled elements, from characters to cinematography to plot points. The acting is competent, the technical side is fine, but these can't make up for the script, which really does need some doctoring, and a fresh set of eyes, sorry guys. I think the filmmakers have become too close to the work to see its problems. I do respect the time and effort put into this movie, though.

I watched the movie at the Phoenix Film Festival and it was a tremendous success. People walking out after the film couldn't stop raving about it. The film was professionally done; the characters were real and the acting superb. The movie, filled with humor and compassion, kept you interested from the beginning to the surprise ending. At the Awards ceremony, 5 major categories were considered: Best Film; Best Acting Ensemble; Best Director; Best Screenplay and Best Audience Award. 'You-Got-Nothin' was the only film nominated for all 5 awards. It won 2 of the Awards- Best Director and Best Screenplay. This despite the fact that Rick Schroeder, of NYPD fame, was in contention for both of them. While I did not see 'Break A Leg', which won the Best Film Award, the majority of the people that I spoke to after the Award ceremony that saw both of them said that 'You-Got-Nothin' 'was robbed'. During the Q&A after the movie, the Producer was asked what his next step would be? He indicated that his immediate goal was to get a distribution deal. I find it hard to believe that any Distributor that has seen this movie can pass it up. Any Distributor that has not seen the movie has so far 'missed the boat' and better 'get on the stick'. If the audience reaction at this Festival is any indication, this film is destined to be a Sure Hit and a Big $$$$$-winner. I, for one, look forward to seeing it again and any new work that these filmmakers produce.