You can tell director Dave Boyle was influenced by the likes of The Beatles HELP! and other great and quirky rock n' roll films. SURROGATE VALENTINE captures the quirky, bittersweet yet hopelessly romantic music by Bay area based singer-songwriter Goh Nakamura. Don't let his laid back, "hey dude" NoCal veneer trick you. Goh is a triple threat, and one heckuva singer and lyricist. It is truly surprising to see such a natural performance for a guy who's never acted before. I've seen this film a number of times and each new viewing gets better and better.
This Cassavetes inspired road movie makes you want to root for the down on his luck singer who wanders aimlessly like an Asian American Man in Black. Like all rock n' roll films, there's always tinges of sadness and cynicism. But, with a crush-worthy performance by Lynn Chen as our hero's object of affection, the film is fulfilling but leaves you wanting more, and also provides that ray of hope for said hero. SV is actually part 1 of a planned trilogy, so I can't wait to see where Goh's journey goes next!
