Edmonton International Film Festival Coverage 2008

Film: Goodbye Baby

Director/Writer: Daniel Schecter

Studio: Renart Film

Screening Date: 2:15 p.m. Saturday, October 4th

Film Length: 87 mins.

Reviewed By: Xanthe Couture (Edmonton Correspondent – Canada)

It seems like an odd premise for a movie - an 18 year old girl pursuing her dream of being a stand-up comedian in New York City instead of going off to College. But it works.

Melissa Brooks (Christine Evangelista) moves in with her older brother Robbie (Ivan Sandomire), who all too conveniently, can afford to live in a pretty nice apartment in SoHo, where he also happens to have a spare room. This is the only part of the movie that seems too good to be true. With the high cost of living in Manhattan, no older brother could be that accommodating.

Brooks' first attempt as a comedian fails miserably, but takes a job at the same comedy club where she had gotten a severe case of stage fright.

One of the stand-up comedians suggests Brooks takes the advice of one of the stand-up comedians from the Club, and starts attending a Narcotics Anonymous group to get used to speaking to a crowd. While in the session she happens to meet a decent guy named Kevin (Michael Mosley), in what is definitely not your typical pick-up spot.

The movie is a fun fantasy of what pursuing your dreams can be like, no matter how weird they may sound to other people.

Goodbye Baby also has some serious moments, where Brooks and her boyfriend, among others, must confront their pasts to move into the future and follow their dreams.

Evangelista is someone to watch for in future roles. She effectively portrays Brooks as a kooky spin on the All-American girl trying to find her way in the world, while being convincingly funny at stand-up.