Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 1, 1994 TAG: 9410220026
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHERINE REED STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In fact, each time this little, black-and-white film seems in danger of becoming too much like a series of in-jokes and private observations about lesbianism, something simple occurs - a character utters one, very true line or struggles with a very old problem - and a larger truth emerges.
Max (Turner), the central character in the story, is still too young to know how and where to look for a girlfriend, let alone truth. Her roommate and college professor Kia (T. Wendy McMillan) has some definite - if perhaps overly politicized - ideas on the subject. She introduces Max to Ely (V.S. Brodie), whom Max coldly pronounces "U-G-L-Y" and almost entirely dismisses from her consciousness.
But Max has a thing or two to learn. (Her problem, Kia says, is that she seems to be looking for some sort of "hip-hop Barbie.") And with a sort of Greek chorus of friends, roommates and current squeezes providing commentary, the romance of Max and Ely begins to take shape.
"Go Fish" has some problems typical of a shoestring-budget, debut film: amateurish acting, self-conscious direction, inconsistent sound quality. But it also has wonderful acting, imaginative lighting and an occasionally brilliant script. (The final lines of the film, uttered after the credits, are heart-rendingly beautiful.)
"Go Fish" finally offers up one, simple truth: that finding love requires a combination of luck and intuition.
Just like the card game.
\ Go Fish ***
No rating, but it is sexually explicit. A Samuel Goldwyn release, showing at the Grandin Theatre, 1 hour and 24 minutes.
by CNB