Of course I went to see Old Goats because it was shot on Bainbridge by Taylor Guterson, the son of local Robin and David Guterson with a complete bunch of local amateur/first time/first class actors. I did recognize a few of them and many places but this has almost nothing to do for me to exhort you to go and see the film as soon as you can.
In a time of megaproductions with mega stars, megaviolent and hypersexed action, 99% under 30 year old heroes, Old Goats is the complete opposite. The main protagonists are only three senior musketeers and their respective ladies in this NorthWest ode to friendship, solidarity, love and the meaning of life once you have retired: one for all, all for one. The strength of the story and a big part of its potent charm lies with how vividly and humorously Taylor Guterson shows how those three retired guys interact and take care of each other on a daily basis, from getting a ride or learning how to go online to join seniorpartners com, sharing moods, curses, worries and joys. Sounds boring? Those simple facts of life are transformed by Guterson's skillful filming and editing into a quickly flowing river of events and vignettes that keep the audience constantly captivated, moved and entertained. Expect to smile and laugh a lot. The casting is perfect and the camera remains agile and subtle all along, showing the effervescent essence of friendship between our three musketeers. Women also play a big role in the film and all the leading ladies are great. All the amateur actors of Old Goats are great and deserve a standing ovation. Do you remember how Ron Milton introduces the shows of our Ovation Musical Theater as a community production? My guess is the community spirit that is so particular (I think) to Bainbridge permeates the film and gives it a special human grace. Thank you so much to Taylor Guterson for this first gem in what I predict and hope will be a fruitful career as a film maker. Be ready to fall under the spell of those Old Goats.