I may feel a bit called out by this clever and quick debut feature film from writer/director Chandler Levack about a socially awkward teen obsessed with films, working in a video store, who develops an unhealthy relationship with the store's manager a former actress. The script is funny and biting but stays in a rather realist zone without becoming overly stylized or descending into parody. The balance of this film is very tight.
The films breakout star Isaiah Lehtinen is remarkable playing all of Lawrences extremely unlikeable characteristics while still making him vulnerable and relatable. He does a lot of shitty, cruel things but you always understand it's coming from a place of real desperation and confusion. So his ultimate redemption (which only starts to happen before the film is over) is believable and welcome.
The nostalgia of the days of the video superstore is a nice touch and an era for film nerds which holds a special place in our hears. I Like Movies captures that wholly.
I Like Movies
Starring: Isaiah Lehtinen, Roina D'Ugo, Percy Hynes White, Krista Bridges, Tanner Zipchen
Writer/Director: Chandler Levack
No comments:
Post a Comment