In the middle of the same weekend and sandwiched between two high-profile summer blockbusters, a new movie titled "Go West" emerged. This film, in stark contrast, exudes a less glamorous aura (with a character even suffering from dysentery) and operates on a noticeably lower budget, akin to a micro-budget independent production.
However, the film's makers urge viewers not to hastily dismiss it. There are compelling reasons to give it a try, they say. For starters, the film features the storytelling skills of Sean Astin, adored for his portrayal of Sam in "The Lord of the Rings." Plus, the core ensemble of 10 brings to life what they affectionately call the "Monty Python of the Oregon Trail" concept: the original members of "Studio C," the BYUtv comedy show.
Directors: Stephen Meek, Jeremy Warner
Writers: Adam Berg, Whitney Call, Mallory Everton
Stars: Sean Astin, Natalie Madsen, Whitney Call
Just a week before the release of the film, which opened in theaters in Utah on July 19 and is scheduled to hit screens in Arizona and Idaho on August 4 ahead of its national release, four of the initial cast of " Studio C" gathered for a Zoom call with the Deseret news. The air was thick with eager anticipation; releasing a movie was a goal prior to his participation in “Studio C”. Yet a sense of unease also lingered. This was unknown territory for them.
While “Go West” deftly harnesses his comedic talents and stays true to the familiar comedic spirit of “Studio C” and his own company, JK! Studios, represents at the same time an experiment. The goal is to transform their collaborative efforts that span more than a decade into a full-length film effort.
“Throwing our hat into the ring in a month like this is both exhilarating and somewhat stressful. You're not sure if it will be beneficial, harmful or something in between," said Natalie Madsen. “But we genuinely hope that as people get into the mood of the movie, seeking respite from the heat in an air-conditioned space, they'll see our sneak peek before they watch 'Mission: Impossible' or any other movie and think, ' Let's bring the whole family.'"
Introducing 'Go West': A Pioneer Flavored 'Studio C' The film's premise is simple: two sisters embark on a journey west from Independence, Missouri to reunite with their family. Aveline Jenkins (Madsen) has a tragic aura, seemingly casting misfortune on all the men she loves. Her sister Cora Jenkins (Mallory Everton) harbors, according to Astin, an erratic relationship with dysentery.
Their journey unfolds with encounters with a host of eccentric characters, including Captain Evander Lillianquist (Matt Meese), who optimistically declares at the beginning of the film, “I have no doubt we'll make it to Oregon Territory before the first frost will kill us all!”
“Go West” shows the original 10 members of “Studio C” playing various characters over the span of approximately 80 minutes. However, the actors stress that fans won't discover overt references to their BYUtv days, no Shoulder Angel or allusions to lobster bisque.
"Nobody gets hit in the face with a soccer ball," Meese quipped, alluding to "Top Soccer Shootout Ever with Scott Sterling," the immensely successful sketch comedy from the show that propelled BYUtv to fame and has garnered 90 million views. views on YouTube to date. . “There is nothing as direct as that. However, I think…those who have enjoyed our work and are looking for more of the same will find it in this film.”
In addition, they have created new characters that they aspire to be as beloved as those from the “Studio C” era. Among them, Whitney Call's portrayal of Robert Failure Gladstone, a 19th-century "boy named Sue"-like shop owner, shines as a highlight.
“Go West” deftly weaves modern references into its pioneer-era narrative. The theme song, performed by Jeremy Warner (who also composed the score), is "Go West" by the Village People. Also, a character, Kit Carson (Jason Gray), emerges as Chuck Norris' counterpart in the Oregon Trail.
Each cast member independently devised characters and sketches rooted in the Oregon Trail theme. They met weekly for several months to refine these narratives, fine-tuning the lines and adding in-jokes. “We collectively take it to 100%, which has always been our process,” Madsen clarified.
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