The question of "likability" when it comes to a protagonist is often invoked by amateur movie critics (like myself) as a reason why a film is good or bad. Intuitively, it makes sense; if you have a character whom is hard to stand watching or being around, why would a movie ABOUT that character work? Characters must be likeable, right? But that then begs the question...surely, most of us can think of examples of unlikeable protagonists in great-to-good movies right? Likeable protagonists, naturally, limit the sort of stories that can be told.
I Like Movies is a perfect example of how to make this work. To be clear, Isaiah Lehtinen's Lawrence Keller, an obnoxious, sometimes narcissistic, rude, and patronizing 18 year old high school student, will annoy pretty much anyone who he comes across. However, with Lehtinen's incredibly complex and true-to-life performance, well rounded surrounding characters, and a pang of self-awareness at the right time, he really WORKS here. I'd take this character - whom is probably what most teenagers are actually like, let's be real - over the "got it all figured out," impossibly witty and mature teens from most films. This movie captures what teenagers are ACTUALLY like: aware of the world around them enough to clap back, but not super emotionally intelligent to know when not to. I really admired the synthesis of good writing and an excellent performance.
On that note, I also really loved Romina D'Ugo's Alana, the manager of Sequels (a Blockbuster stand-in) whom Lawrence develops a pretty obvious crush on. There's something so...Canadian about her performance that I really loved. Krista Bridges is also pretty great as Lawrence's struggling single mother.
In terms of criticism, I do think a lot of the other actors leave a lot to be desired and there are some moments that feel awkward and mechanical. I feel like some script editing would have helped this movie out and better direction for some of the actors. On that note though...
I have to also shout out how gorgeous I Like Movies looks; its letterbox aspect ratio really reminds you that this takes place in the early 2000s (along with the tasteful nostalgia) and gives the film a cozy, warm vibe. This is a movie that, with its browns and oranges, reminds me of the 1970s without having anything to do with the era (aside from movie references). The image is always full of details and consequently, it's a film that's hard to look away from. Canadian movies are almost always chastised for looking "bad", but it's a level of visual artistry I don't see many mid-to-low budget American films attempting that much anymore. Good stuff.
And yes, I loved the Canadiana here. Burlington, Ontario and Carleton University are places I'm familiar with. The torment of being a Canadian movie lover, hopelessly obsessed with American film resonated with me. I Like Movies is simple, but it captures a "vibe" and a very Canadian sentiment extremely well. It might not appeal to everyone, but I liked this movie.
I Like Movies is a perfect example of how to make this work. To be clear, Isaiah Lehtinen's Lawrence Keller, an obnoxious, sometimes narcissistic, rude, and patronizing 18 year old high school student, will annoy pretty much anyone who he comes across. However, with Lehtinen's incredibly complex and true-to-life performance, well rounded surrounding characters, and a pang of self-awareness at the right time, he really WORKS here. I'd take this character - whom is probably what most teenagers are actually like, let's be real - over the "got it all figured out," impossibly witty and mature teens from most films. This movie captures what teenagers are ACTUALLY like: aware of the world around them enough to clap back, but not super emotionally intelligent to know when not to. I really admired the synthesis of good writing and an excellent performance.
On that note, I also really loved Romina D'Ugo's Alana, the manager of Sequels (a Blockbuster stand-in) whom Lawrence develops a pretty obvious crush on. There's something so...Canadian about her performance that I really loved. Krista Bridges is also pretty great as Lawrence's struggling single mother.
In terms of criticism, I do think a lot of the other actors leave a lot to be desired and there are some moments that feel awkward and mechanical. I feel like some script editing would have helped this movie out and better direction for some of the actors. On that note though...
I have to also shout out how gorgeous I Like Movies looks; its letterbox aspect ratio really reminds you that this takes place in the early 2000s (along with the tasteful nostalgia) and gives the film a cozy, warm vibe. This is a movie that, with its browns and oranges, reminds me of the 1970s without having anything to do with the era (aside from movie references). The image is always full of details and consequently, it's a film that's hard to look away from. Canadian movies are almost always chastised for looking "bad", but it's a level of visual artistry I don't see many mid-to-low budget American films attempting that much anymore. Good stuff.
And yes, I loved the Canadiana here. Burlington, Ontario and Carleton University are places I'm familiar with. The torment of being a Canadian movie lover, hopelessly obsessed with American film resonated with me. I Like Movies is simple, but it captures a "vibe" and a very Canadian sentiment extremely well. It might not appeal to everyone, but I liked this movie.