"Boy George Michael Jackson Browne is a strange
film. The accompanying press notes label it a movie impossible to describe, and I'll second that assessment. Episodic,
esoteric, whimsical, offbeat, amusing, frustrating -- all of those words apply. And let's not forget bordering
on brilliant; those words apply most fittingly.
A quick summary of the "plot" is a tough chore, but the film essentially follows two sets of characters,
whose stories eventually overlap. The first group of people we meet are Matt (Aaron Banyai) and Melissa (Danielle
L. DiDio), a young couple attending a movie. When Melissa decides to use the restroom before the film starts, an
usher whisks her away to a bizarre room where she stumbles into a lively party. This party appears to be going
on in some sort of parallel world, and before we know it, we're next introduced to an entirely different set of
characters. Here, we witness a mounting crisis, as a gunman (Andrew Sarro) holds a couple (Dan Hannon and Danielle
Roy-Becker) hostage, but this whole predicament appears to be staged i.e. "a film within a film."
What happens from this point forward is a mish mash of occurrences, which include a lecture about the diminishing
entertainment value of The Simpsons, a musical interlude, the arrival of an alien (Jack Wimme), who helps Matt
find his lost Melissa, a brief lesson about full frame vs. widescreen picture, the sudden censoring of profanity
and a character known as The Guy Who Knows Everything (Dan Merrimen), who often enters the various situations to
his own personal opening credits sequence. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Director, writer, editor, DP, etc. Memo Salazar employs the "everything AND the kitchen sink" approach
to filmmaking (he also includes a bit of animation and has his characters break the 4th wall), and while there
is a definite randomness to the events that transpire in the movie, the director displays an engaging and unique
vision in just about every frame of this film. What's important here isn't story, but the art of filmmaking itself
and all of the various directions artists can pursue if they don't feel a need to be bound by convention. BGMJB
isn't necessarily thumbing its nose at those conventions, but instead very insightfully commenting on the boundaries
(or lack thereof) of cinematic expression, while tossing in some pointed social criticism for good measure. It's
cerebral and intellectual, but not at all exclusionary (proving that thinking can be fun).
The film originally aired on the Internet as a weekly series of 5-minute (or so) episodes, which may or may not
have worked to the film's benefit. Admittedly, ingesting all of BGMJB at once can border on information overload.
Conversely, some of the "episodes" work much better than others, and I wonder how much of the Internet
audience may have tuned out before the final episode. Regardless, as a weekly series or a full-length feature film,
BGMJB is exceedingly original and exhaustingly enjoyable.
Salazar is obviously a very well schooled and cinema literate filmmaker, and his technical skill completely matches
his creative ambition. In BGMJB, he demonstrates the ability and the imagination do something very exciting with
the art form, and marks himself as a talent that we can only hope reaches a larger and larger audience in the future.
I, for one, can't wait to see what he has next in store."
-Warren Curry, Cinemaspeak.com
Usually I sleep pretty well at night. Sometimes I wake up in those blind panics, terrified that I haven't done my book report and knowing that I have to read it aloud in class tomorrow. But then I remember I'm a 41 year old guy with three kids, who hasn't been in school for twenty years, and then everything is alright again.
But sometimes - especially when I'm sick - I have these weird feverish dreams. Not nightmares as such, just complicated, surreal sequences that, though seemingly unconnected, flow together, dali-esque, into a patchwork narrative that leaves me feeling there's a deeper meaning behind the unconnected stories, if only I could unlock the key.
So - anyway. Boy George Michael Jackson Browne is just like that. Watch it - you'll see what I mean.
(Excellent acting, scripts, direction and editing. Although it might not be to everyone's taste, it's original and unique, and worth checking out).
-Podguide.tv
"Holden native Memo Salazar's energetic fusion
of Alice In Wonderland and Being John Malkovich is not only funny and intelligent, but avoids the sort of uberhipness that
has sullied the calling cards of many a promising, young film talent. The fact that his bizarre, no-budget world
actually takes on a life of its own is a testament to Salazar's many gifts. His deconstruction of the popularity
of the Simpsons
is tragically dead-on, and his running gags about a foul-mouthed gunman in search of the faceless, style-cramping
censor and the omniscient cool guy known as "The Guy That Knows Everything" are played to near-perfection."
-Robert Newton, Worcester Magazine
"Boy
George Michael Jackson Browne is funny, smart, and though
it’s a little bit too experimental to keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire 115 minutes, it’s a great
showcase of Memo’s ability to twist the shit out of a story and somehow come out of it having made more sense than
your average episode of Friends."
- Hollywoodbitchslap.com
"This is the third of [Memo's] movies I've seen, and the most accomplished. [Memo] has grown more daring with
his content and more polished with his style..."
-Jim Keogh, Telegram & Gazette
"I would relate it to my favorite reggae, jazz, pop, metal, blues song, one that is yet to be written. Lots
of unexpected twists and turns. I love that! Too bad Hollywood can’t learn to be this free."
-Claude Calesini, The Claude Show
"I would like to report that Memo Salazar deserves
your money. His latest film is an ambitious project entitled Boy George Michael Jackson Browne. The plot...well,
that's all over the place, but for the most part, it centers around a young couple who are separated at the movies,
As they drift along their own surrealistic paths (his involves becoming a guide to a visiting alien, while she
goes to a party and becomes a cartoon), they talk about their relationship to anyone who will listen, wondering
if it's time to call it quits. Along the way, they meet characters like The Gunman, who's on a quest to destroy
censorship, The Guy Who Knows Everything, who...well, you know... and the aforementioned alien, who is not, as
the promotional material says, Michael Moore's brother.
This film is guaranteed to make you say "what the fuck?" at least three times. BGMJB manages to achieve
just the right amount of surrealism and coherence; while episodes are capable of going off on bizarre tangents,
we never lose sight of the story of the young couple. The tangents themselves are swell; the Gunman's explanation
of why The Simpsons sucks is already a classic and ought to be taught in school. The acting is also swell around,
with particular marks to Dan Merriman (The Guy Who Knows Everything) and Smitty (whose character I can't reveal
and whose name I forget and couldn't find, but trust me, this guy's good).
This isn't to say the film is perfect. I admit to being a bit nonplussed by the finale, and the guy who's looking
for his girlfriend is such a noodge, you're forced to wonder why she hasn't dropped his ass. For the most part,
however, BGMJB is worth the trip."
-Pete Milan, further-adventures.com
I can only agree with the reviews..keep up the good work!
-Dave Sdmoibüt
"Because of the absence of executive influence, it is in fact your movie and your vision with no compromises
on the words being said... Hands down, this series rocked!"
-Adam Everett, LA Digital
"The BGMJB episodes are very original and well-done."
-Debbie Rudman, DUTV
"It was exactly what a indie film should be: funny,
Innovative and well acted."
-Nate Conway, Home Brew Productions
"I think your work is really really really good. Not that that means too much you already have it produced and I am certainly am not going to give you any money for it as a special prize. But I really think you capture something very human and very sharp with this show. The long cuts are Brilliant! Brilliant I say. We need more of that kind of contemplative filmmaking in this world."
-Zeev Krieger, Tasty Korner
Wow! That was great! I have literally stopped watching TV entirely for the past 8 months or so because there's nothing worth watching - in fact, I believe much of what's on TV is destructive in a way, but BGMJB gives me hope. It is hillarious, entertaining, thought-provoking, and honest. I love it, and I will be spreading the word about it! I can go on and on about what I love about this film, but I have to say I love the alien character the most. The reference to Reservoir Dogs in the diner episode was great, and for those of you who are familiar with Mr. Pink, I think the scene really helped develop his character quickly and gave him purpose in showing us how often we don't really think about what we're doing. Salazar has done a great job with BGMJB! I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation of his next work.
-Dannel Albert
"This movie is hilarious and is an eminently re-watchable movie in the same class
'Pulp Fiction,' or 'Clerks.' I understand it, and I loved it."
-Bill Beckwith
"My mouth was open through the whole thing. Dave Lynch
was what I was thinking as i watched it, but it was better than Lynch. If you're worried about making it big ,
don't worry because it will happen."
-Adrian Manzano
"I love it! What I like about the story is its detachedness,
yet cohesive chaos. I don't know how you did it, but you did."
-Alexandre Archimbaud
"I want to say that I am totally impressed by the BGMJB series you've put together. The writing, directing,
editing, cast, etc. is great!"
-Sasha Nakra
"I have to say, when a friend of mine showed me the movie last night, all I could think was, "This is
one of the best things I've ever seen. I have to own it." Rest assured, I'm making sure everyone I know sees
it."
-Sarah Smith
"Yeah... [Episode 7 is] by far the best episode yet! Funny as hell...lots of respect for the actors with those
long ass takes...how many times did it take for you to get it right? When is the DVD version of this comin out???"
-DJ
"Episode 8 was, by far, the funniest episode of the bunch. The actors aren't the best singers, but the hilarious
lyrics more than made up for it. BGMJB just gets better with each episode."
- Nic Green
"I have to say they are very, very fun to watch. I just wanted to personally congratulate you on a fantastic
effort
so far. Keep up the good work and I'll be watching the next 14 episodes."
- Gabe Sanchez
"I can't remember all of my favorite things, there are so many that stand out!"
-Julie-Marie B. Greenstein
"minus memo's intro, athough it was cute, [Episode
7] was by far the most intrigueing, and the best.. The entire episode was maybe two or three long takes. This really
showcases both Memo's ability as a director(and everything else he does), and the talent level of the actors. Phenomenal,
I was hooked a while ago, but this just draws me in more. keep it up man. I look forward to these every week! "
- paul dyer
"That was very well done. Great acting. And for somereason that guy with the gun reminds me of edward burns."
- Kirill
"[Episode 6 had] not a lot of action going on, but the dialog is some of the smartest stuff I've heard since
the golden days of Seinfeld."
- SReedy
"Jesus Christ, where is this all going?" EXACTLY...and that's what makes this such an entertaining series.
I'm more or less hooked now because I want to know what the hell is going on! Obviously its not the Soprano's....but
its a great start!"
-Baby Huey
"The camera work is amazing, the plot keeps me guessing, excellent sound, amazing quality. Don't let resentful
reviewers stop you. This is awesome...!"
- Garett R. Nadrich
"Best episode of the series yet! The guy that knows everything else....where does he get this stuff? Keep
it up, Memo"
- Chuck
"What the movie world needs is originality, and Memo seems to have a sense of that. From the random ideas
to the clever plot devices, Boy George gives the audience something other than those cheesy repetitive teen movies
and milk-puking documentaries. Boy George gives us confusion, randomness and an urge to say "Jesus Christ man,
where is this all going?!"
- Steve
"Nice. I love the party scene. Very funny. Way to go Memo!"
- jason
fool factory favorite: " i have never been so bored durring a
movie,well besides"steal this movie" wich was bad but not this bad(although "Boy Geaorge.."
is only an 11 min. flick) it was still fuckin horrible it went nowhere and every scene dragged on and on."
- Lind
"Boy George Michael Jackson Browne shows that spending obscene amounts of money on production cost is not the key that
makes a movie be a good movie."
- Xavier Rhodes, Author of Jack Dogg
"I love that it's not so self-serious..."
-Soleil Moon Frye
"Wow that guy makes me laugh."
- Nate
"Well, it was sort of a drag, yet I'm interested to see the next episode."
-SrFelardo
"One David Lynch is one too many in my opinion and to see a blatent ripp of of his already stale work does
nothing but upset me."
- Despin
We apologize for upsetting you. -Ed.
"It was amazing! Very funny. I thought the writing, directing,
editing, and animation were all top-notch! Very impressive."
-Geoff Banyai
"I really have enjoyed the series..Looking forward to episode 6!"
-Lisa Maria Longo
"An excellent series of films with the boy george...... "
- Mike Dispenza
"Great work; really witty! The whole "Simpsons" sequence was very impressive... and surprisingly
trenchent."
-Naveen Singh
"That was awsome. It read my mind. Im the only one at school who thinks the simpsons have gone downhill. Good
Job, I just wish I started whatching your show-thing earlier."
- MrCool8000
"Sorry, now Episode 4 is now my favorite so far! Never heard of a Simpsons Philosophy like the one here on
Ep. 4...still trying to figure out if the producers are Anti-Simpsons or just speaking the raw truth. Either way...great
episode....where the hell is this leading? I have no freakin' idea...I guess that's why I have to stay tuned until
the next one, huh? Damn you!"
- 2K2
"Acting was done well, however, the lecture made it get a little boring. And, how the hell could you say anything
bad about the Simpsons...Foreshame...! However, as long as these episodes find their way onto this site, I'll be
watching. Adios, and another nice job."
- Ry
"Very good! "Berry Yuppie Crunch". Ha. I really dig the "Guy That Knows Everything" too.
Fun-nee! Keep up the good work, I've bookmarked the site, will watch the episodes as they appear."
-Barry Burdett
"This is a really good movie. I'm considering buying it on tape. Can't wait for Episode 8!"
- Dave
"this was funny. i really like the contrast between the Alien, the guy and the waitress. it all adds up to
make a great 6th episode."
- sam
"I hope you dont plan on doing this for a lving."
-Floyd 190
What's a "lving"? -Ed.
"Very interesting, it makes to want to see the next Episode. I just noticed one thing. The sound from the
gun could have been more realistic."
- MRK
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but as it progressed I found myself
glued to the screen not wanting to pause it to go have a cigarette. Well done! Many of your theories and observations
came together to piece together your masterpiece. I especially enjoyed your Simpsons segment, brilliant execution.
Aaron Banyai certainly deserves recognition, as he pulled his role off well. Congratulations on a job well done.
"
-Josh Pedjoe
"Boy George Michael Jackson Browne
* * * * * * out of * * * * * (yes, that was intentional)
Usually, when one goes to the movies, one hates to be with someone who knows everything about film. Take it from
me, someone who has to go to the movies alone. This is because, I'm such a person. I'm always spouting off at the
mouth about the predictability of the plot, the blandness and one-dimensionality of the characters, and unrealistic
fashion events are placed before me. See, it's not my fault, I've seen 27,000 movies, most of which were pretty
run of the mill. Then, a month ago, my love for film was rekindled by one film, "Boy George Michael Jackson
Browne".
Normally, I feel as many other filmgoers feel, if the film doesn't capture my attention in the first five minutes,
it's never going to. Well, this film got me hooked in the first five seconds. Right away, the film presents to
us, two everyday characters, Matt and Melissa. Matt seems like a selfish guy who wants to have his girlfriend essentially
at his beck and call. He tells her that he wants popcorn because he can't imagine the thought of sitting through
a film without it.
This was the ultimate symbolic move for the character. With Melissa telling him that they just ate, sets up both
their characters. She's satisfied with what they both shared, a meal together, and he's already looking for something
new. She leaves to go to the bathroom and is brought to a room where people are playing a game. This game will
change the course of the film.
In attendance at this game was a character that my friends would surely say that I can identify with. This part
is The Guy Who Knows Everything played marvelously by Dan Merriman. The differences between him and I are, he really
does know everything, and more importantly, he has his own opening credits sequence. This bizarre cat teaches the
characters and us how to progress along and that knowing everything really isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Memo Salazar, the director of this odyssey brings us face to face with several items from our American culture
that are often there, but more often overlooked. He brings his own spin on charity donation, the trivial nature
of bleeping out profanity yet keeping in other "objectionable" acts in our media such as sex and violence,
and much, much more.
This film teaches, entertains, and informs us all about how we really are versus how we perceive ourselves to be.
I realize that I didn't say much in this review, however, if you're reading this before seeing it, I'm the Guy
Who Has Seen The Whole Thing and Has Chosen To Say Barely Anything and Give Away Nothing. It's a movie that everyone
should see, some will get more than others, and anyone can lose themselves in the editing and creativity alone."
-Scott R. Caseley, Static Entertainment
