No Right Way

This film shows all of the blood, sweat, tears, and dancing that went into making it. It beautifully captures the complexity of life with the family dysfunction everyone experiences at some point. What is particularly impressive are the strong female characters that drive the story and have dominant voices, yet the film reaches a wider audience not just of women and girls, but of men and boys alike. I found myself, a man in his thirties, watching these sisters and seeing myself- my own relationship pains and struggles with some of the people I love most. The reason is that this film displays complex truth. From purely a production quality standpoint, the casting is superb. I genuinely believe the relationships I am watching unfold. I particularly love the soundtrack and felt the music helped drive the emotion with balance of supporting what is onscreen without overshadowing or making you feel directed to feel a certain way. The cinematography is stunning throughout, giving an authentic feel of always being in the room with the characters while also maintaining a beauty in the art of composition, lighting, and angles- simple yet impactful. I can honestly say I watched the entire film without once thinking about the time or wondering when it would end. This is a testament to the pacing and editing used to seamlessly keep the train moving in a way you hardly even notice. All around, "No Right Way" is a film that captures the truth of love and pain in gorgeous indie film style that feels important and mainstream. When you have the opportunity, do yourself a favor and watch it.

My wife and I had the chance to see this at the Lone Star Film Festival and we were both just floored. The story itself is incredible, but it's in the acting where the film just soars. Director Chelsea Bo set her lightning-in-a-bottle cast free and the result is a realistic, tender, and honest portrayal of the human condition set against a background that is both beautiful and ugly at the same time. This is one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled. I remember thinking that I wanted to see more, and could have watched the onscreen chemistry all day.

This was the festival standout to me, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to see it.

This movie is an incredible experience in film. The dry feeling of the Las Vegas life contrasts beautifully with a lush green park scene featuring Georgie and Harper. The improvised (!) conversations of dialogue come off natural and relatable as something you would actually hear teenagers say. Chelsea and Ava are highly skilled in making their characters flaws and accomplishments clear to the viewer. Georgie's character had the perfect balance of heart and sass to make you root for a better life, an opportunity for her to succeed and for her to find her way. Harper is someone you know is trying her best to do right by another person, even is her methods are a little sloppy. Bravo to the entire cast and crew for this heartfelt and touching film that both adults and kids will find relatable and touching!

Just saw No Right Way a couple nights ago at the Alameda Int'l Film Festival and really loved it. Everyone that I spoke to after the screening felt the same way. This story of a family in crisis is a touchingly realistic, finely observed film that features terrific performances from the entire ensemble, and especially from Ava Acres as Georgie, a teen removed from her home by CPS, Eliza Coupe as her troubled mom Tiffany, and writer-director Chelsea Bo starring as Georgie's much older adult half-sister, who takes her in. It's a touchingly dramatic and at times wryly funny movie that's engaging, credible, and charming. It's amazing that it has not yet been picked up by a major distributor, as it certainly ought to be. If you get a chance to see this one, don't miss it.

In a world where most people are only concerned with themselves, it's refreshing to see a movie that recognizes the importance of family, the value of putting someone else first, the patience of love. This movie is for everyone who ever felt they needed to step up and step in. One person can make a difference. This movie is also for teachers. It brings up the idea that life gets in the way of schoolwork. Connecting with students, understanding the challenges they face outside of school is far more important than anything that can be taught in school. This movie tells the story of one girl. One girl who represents so many young people who are safer in school than beyond the classroom doors.