Years ago a series of oddball pioneers traveled the glorious Oregon Trail. They are looking for a new home, a place where they and their families will be able to flourish. However, that glorious trail seems to be anything but. Led by Aveline (Natalie Madsen), this group has no choice but to Go West and hope for the best.
Narrated by Sean Astin, Go West is a mess of comedy that seemingly transcends time and space. While the story technically takes place in the early twentieth century, the comedy is far more modern than the time period. Go West is a sort of meta approach toward comedy, where it’s obvious that everyone on screen is aware of the benefits and struggles of living during that time–but they also understand the same about the future. With endless references to future (their future) events, it’s hard not to appreciate this comedy, because it’s meant for every generation.
I think when viewers hear Astin for the first time narrating about the ridiculousness that is Aveline and her slew of failed romantic relationships (because she’s cursed of course), they are expecting something ridiculous. From jokes about people that run all the time to praising the infamous John Wilkes Booth (don’t get your panties in a bunch–it’s actually funny), Go West pulls no punches, leaves no comedic stone left unturned, and doesn’t care who it offends. If you sit down to watch this film, expect that it will push the boundaries between what is and isn’t acceptable in terms of comedy (spoiler alert: nothing is off limits in comedy). This is a seemingly ragtag group of individuals, the characters, not the cast, and they both exist in a space completely in touch with the full scope of history and outside any reality that viewers could have fathomed before watching the film. Again, this comedy is made for everyone, and the slew of hard-hitting and subtle jokes present in Go West will likely reach out and tickle you at one point or another.
Go West plays out something like a live production, and there are moments when the acting, the set design, and more aren't perfect. I don’t think this is by accident, not even a bit. It seems that Directors Stephen Meek and Jeremy Warner want their film to play out in a silly fashion. By design, this duo seems to want their film to be flawed, because it represents the flaws in the real world. They touch on ideas of greed, bullying, and more–and in order to express that they truly understand these issues, they, too, have to be flawed. Again, Go West is a film that is incredibly meta, never fully addressing the fact that it’s a film, but beating around the bush every now and again. It pokes fun at itself, and the production thrives as a result of all that goes into it.
I don’t think I’d be surprised if anyone told me that they were bored while watching Go West. It’s, and I mean this is the best way possible, stupid. I’m not sure that viewers are ever worried if the group of pioneers ever makes it all the way west or if they find success in any way whatsoever–and I don’t think it matters. The purpose of the film is the journey. Learning about yourself on the way to your destination is every bit as important as the destination itself. Another one of the many points that Go West is attempting to make–and maybe the most prominent one. Go West is an intellectual film that requires a bit of attention, even when nothing is happening–and that can lead to viewers finding themselves bored or uninterested on their way toward the finish line.
I constantly shook my head at Go West, as it seemed that at every turn it became more and more ridiculous. As it dives deeper into pointing out the flaws of the past, present, and future, it certainly becomes more insane–but every step of the way appears calculated and deliberate. Go West is a journey just as wild as the Oregon Trail (minus the dysentery), but a truly funny voyage through both America and time.
Directed by Stephen Meek & Jeremy Warner.
Written by Adam Berg, Whitney Call, Mallory Everton, Jason Gray, Stacey Harkey, Natalie Marsden, Stephen Meek, Matt Meese, James Perry, & Jeremy Warner.
Starring Adam Berg, Whitney Call, Mallory Everton, Jason Gray, Stacey Harkey, Natalie Marsden, Stephen Meek, Matt Meese, James Perry, Jeremy Warner, Sean Astin, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
