One of the better examples of still-emerging digital aesthetic was Esther Bell's Godass. The story of a young punk-rock girl's reconciliation with her gay biological dad, the film presents a surprisingly nuanced portrait of teenage confusion. Whatever the film lacks in conventional technical proficiency it more than makes up for in emotional immediacy, and in this sense it's analogous to the story's 'zine-culture backdrop.

Mark Olsen
Film Comment

Naturalistic performances let the oft-wry dialog and situations sneak up on us rather than going for overt laughs….bright sensibility and polished presentation on a low budget suggest Bell has a future worth tracking…

Dennis Harvey
Variety

Godass reveals an edgy sensibility and is charged with genuine emotion.

Kevin Thomas
LA Times

Godass defies all the preconceptions one might have toward independent film…Bell’s use of digital video technology gives the film an aesthetic feel comparable to the high production quality that most people expect from major films…

Jason Kucsma
Clamor Magazine

Surprisingly meaty for underground fare -- i.e. more drama, fewer exploding zombie heads (OK, none).

Sam Adams
Philadelphia City Paper

In terms of execution, Godass is better than Smithereens…its female leads evoke Janeane Garafolo and Shirley MacLaine…Fred Schneider is well cast…

The San Francisco Guardian

Bell gives almost equal weight to Teri's family and friends in South Carolina, the zine she brings to New York to sell (Skid Marks), the drug-fueled music scene she quickly plunges into, and her father's troubled relationship with his longtime lover (convincingly played by Fred Schneider of the B-52s). Despite some rough edges, the film is frequently amusing, bringing out the absurdities and contradictions of its various milieus.

Fred Camper
The Chicago Reader

...Bell sticks her sights and delivers a finished movie and strong DIY ethics.

Mike White
Cashiers du Cinemart

A well written and well directed film, Godass is reminiscent of late 70’s early 80’s punk films, both narrative and music wise. I was strongly reminded of Susan Seidelman’s Smithereens, but also of D.O.A., Blank Generation, Another State of Mind and Ladies and Gentlemen the Fabulous Stains.

AJ Michel
Microfilm