The Go-Gos Image

The Go-Gos

By Sabina Dana Plasse | July 29, 2020

After signing with I.R.S. Records with Miles Copeland III, they released their debut album Beauty And The Beat. This produced two well-known hits in “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat,” gave the band its entry into the world of popular music that they did not want to give up. In a time where MTV was the idol maker of pop culture, it also made them a regular household name so their rise to stardom was inevitable. Always battling the age-old question of selling-out, the Go-Go’s punk rock roots may have been buried a bit but, in times of need and band power, existed when necessary.

“…captures all this beautifully as these mature women prove they have never lost their passionate drive.”

The Go Go’s went on to produce two more albums Vacation and Talk Show, but drug addiction and feuding, as well as money disparagement, ultimately shattered the band’s ability to stay together, especially with the exit of Jane Wiedlin. A very bold move for Wiedlin to leave the band, but it also allowed her to come to terms with being diagnosed as bi-polar. In addition, guitarist Charlotte Caffey had to deal with her well-hidden heroin addiction.

Yet, girls will be girls, and despite opinions and personalities, this sisterhood survives as strong as ever. The band’s after-life includes a Broadway musical Head Over Heels and rehearsing music harkening back to their punk rock roots. The film captures all this beautifully as these mature women prove they have never lost their passionate drive. The entire band’s appearance at the premiere of The Go-Go’s was more than just a discussion, their punk rock nature came through without fail and allowed the audience a rare glimpse of why we love them and the music. There’s definitely more Go-Go’s to come.

The Go Go’s premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

The Go-Gos (2020)

Directed and Written: Alison Ellwood

Starring: Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine, Jane Wiedlin, etc.

Movie score: 9/10

The Go-Gos Image

"…highlights that these ladies who have stayed brash and whipsmart have always been entirely punk."

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. […] Sundance 2020 Films Reviewed: Aggie, Black Bear, Cuties, On The Record, Promising Young Woman, The Assistant, The Go-Gos […]

  2. Spirit says:

    Commenting on “The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. two things: one, the “HOF” was originally supposed to be a fund raiser to assure that agng rock-and-rollers wouldn’t end up destitute. Never happened. Second, the “HOF” has Kiss but Larry Williams isn’t in it. So why would you want The Go-Gos in it? It’s like Mick accepting a knighthood. You think Keith would?

  3. George Vreeland Hill says:

    Alison Ellwood is a wonderful director who brings out the best in every subject.
    This is no exception.
    The Go-Go’s is a must-see documentary that may even wind up on the big screen.
    Let’s hope they get their just due as members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    George Vreeland Hill

  4. Joseph hijuelos says:

    See them in Westbury! Autograph please?

  5. emiliano says:

    me podrian mandar el enlace de la película documental

  6. Nigel Penistone says:

    Love the music, looking forward to the documentary!

  7. Renel Salinas says:

    Excellent review. Can’t wait to see the documentary!!!

Join our Film Threat Newsletter

Newsletter Icon