This retelling of the Karate Kid storyline with its mentor/student dynamic is set in the world of go cart racing and delivers it message in a very angst free way. There are no surprises in store and that makes for a nostalgic experience.

Jack Hooper (William Lodder) is a young man who is morning the loss of his father and dealing with the move to a new town. His mother Christine (Frances O’Connor) is trying her best to help with the transition more as a friend than a dominant parent and Richard Roxburgh is cast as the mentor Patrick.

The acting is inconsistent amongst the youth but the adult cast members carry the day. The go cart racing scenes are well choreographed and this helps as the nomenclature of the cart racing is very inaccurate. Racing only provides the backdrop for this coming of age tale. Go! is a straightforward film that is easy to like.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/roadshow

Jack’s got natural talent but must learn to control his recklessness. To do that, he’ll need the help of aspiring engineer, Mandy, wise-cracking best mate Colin and mysterious mentor, Patrick. Together, the team will endeavour to overcome all odds and defeat ruthless racer Dean to win the National Go Kart Championship. GO! is a high-octane Australian family film with heart.

GO! is directed by Owen Trevor and stars William Lodder, Anastasia Bampos, Darius Amarfio-Jefferson, Dan Wyllie, Cooper Van Grootel, Damian De Montemas with Richard Roxburgh and Frances O’Connor.

GO! releases in Australia in theatres on January 16, 2020.
www.facebook.com/roadshow