Obcecado por Cinema

In excellent, low-key '90s-based rites-of-passage dramedy "I Like Movies" quirky (to almost 'on the spectrum' level) cinephile teen nerd Isaiah Lehtinen (off-the-scale good) dreams of NYU film school from his nondescript Canadian high school while being painfully condascending to those around him (like pal Percy Hynes White & mum Krista Bridges) before rather idolising Romina D'Ugo, his manager at the video-store job that he loves. Debut writer (and director) Chandler Levack EXCELS with his authentic script of genuine characters - all terrifically performed to give it the feel of "Clerks", but more 'real'. Stars should be born from this wonderful gem.

This is a charming project in theory, but as the film goes along it becomes harder and harder to like the protagonist. Sure, his dad died, but he's a total jerk to everyone around him without any provocation whatsoever. He should show much more character development much earlier in the movie.

Frankly, i understand the type of stress he's going through, but i don't like the stereotype of a mentally ill person behaving chaotically while everyone around them is trying their best to be nice. This is a hollywood stereotype that basically never happens in real life, and the reality is that people don't keep acting like this unless others are bullying/abusing them, and that's really not happening.

The film in general would be much better if there were real pressing reasons for him to act these ways, because i don't think leaning on/fetishizing teen angst is a good way for the script to fill itself out.

The climax of the film is just a bunch of arguments and bad behavior when it should have been nice, and by the time we get to the uplifting segments. It's too little too late, because the protagonist still has not experienced any character development. The only thing that's changed is his haircut and the people around him, and it's utterly implausible that these pretty girls would be talking to him. This isn't because he's overweight, in fact i think his appearance is generally fine, but his personality in this film is just utter trash.

Watching this film, I couldn't help but forgive its shortcomings. It was clearly made on a shoestring budget, with unremarkable locations and occasionally amateurish performances. However, the story's universal appeal overshadowed these flaws. As a film lover and someone who struggles with socializing, I found myself deeply moved and able to relate. The film tackles the theme of moving on and growing up, a familiar territory in cinema. Despite lacking groundbreaking elements, it exudes a nostalgic charm that captivates. The writing, direction, and acting are surprisingly strong, which adds to its merit.

I encourage film lovers to get out to see I LIKE MOVIES while during its theatre run.

Writer and Director Chandler Laveck has written such compelling and complex human beings.

The lead protagonist Lawrence Kweller is at all times amusing, frustrating, unlikable and endearing. What a tough sell! Actor Isaiah Lehtinen has done a fantastic job of hitting the right notes every moment.

Others Romina D'Ugo, Krista Bridges and Percy Hynes-White's solid chemistry on screen was steadfastly convincing throughout. The film is so tight with the smallest details from art direction, costuming, language, pop culture references, character motivations and development.

This movie had the title going for it. The storyline sounded interesting as well: back to the days of the video store, which only folks above 30 will probably remember.

More good: the dialogues were interesting as well, with many namedrops of classic movies from the past.

The characters were kinda interesting, but there the good news ended, because the actors were lacking in actor's chemistry. They for sure werent terrible actors, merely just not charismatic enough to carry this movie.

Half way through I began to get somewhat irritated by these actors, who usually would only star in cheaply produced television movies.

Not terrible, but certainly not recommended either...