Surrogate Valentine (2011)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(77 ratings)

San Francisco musician & rising star Goh Nakamura's (playing himself) life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to teach TV actor Danny Turner how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Danny meticulously studies his every move, and the two embark on a hilarious adventure involving gigs,… More San Francisco musician & rising star Goh Nakamura's (playing himself) life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to teach TV actor Danny Turner how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Danny meticulously studies his every move, and the two embark on a hilarious adventure involving gigs, groupies, crazy record exes and an unexpected friendship. Along the way, Goh pursues his life-long chase for Rachel, the one that got away.

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Dave Boyle
Written By: Dave Boyle, Joel Clark
Genres: Comedy, Romance

On DVD: Dec 5, 2011
Studio: Tiger Industry Films

Critic Reviews

David DeWitt, New York Times
The story never asserts itself in any dramatic or comedic or even home-movie fashion.
Michelle Orange, Village Voice
Cultivates a sweet, shucksy tone that wears thin in some of the early scenes but ultimately deepens into genuine heart.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Dave Boyle's pic is fueled by no overriding visual style, relying completely on its actors' chemistry for momentum. Unfortunately, the two strike no sparks.
John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter
Offers a certain mild slacker charm.
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
Despite some winning moments of lo-fi humor and some inspired set pieces, there's simply not enough here to carry a feature film-even one that tops out at 75 minutes.