'I Like Movies' Is A Coming Of Age For A Cinephiles | SBIFF
“What’s your favorite movie?”
Isaiah Lehtinen in I Like Movies. Courtesy of Visit Films.
Paul Thomas Anderson. NYU Tisch. Physical media. 16-millimeter film. Saturday Night Live. These are the things on the mind of 17-year-old Lawrence (Isaiah Lehtinen), the cinephile turned aspiring filmmaker protagonist in Chandler Levack’s debut feature film, I Like Movies. We meet Lawrence at a point in his life in which his biggest concern is not his (lack of) social life or the relationships with the people surrounding him, but the impending decision letter from Tisch, and learning how to shoot on 16-millimeter. When faced with the reality that in the case that he gets in to the school of his dreams, he’ll have to pay the steep tuition price, that his family can’t afford, he gets a job at Sequels, his local video store, and begins to develop relationships with his co-workers, primarily his manager, Alana (Romina D’Ugo).
Isaiah Lehtinen and Percy Hynes White in I Like Movies. Courtesy of Visit Films.
The film is forced to walk the delicate line of managing a script with a big heart and comedic overtones while addressing real issues through the dramatic scenes that peek through the curtain and tackle present, relevant issues directed at those aiming to break into the film industry. Without a lead as charismatic and comedically intelligent as Lehtinen, it’s likely that the jokes would fall flat, as would the moments of intense emotion. Lehtinen’s timing is perfect, as well as his use of physical comedy in certain scenes, playing the part to a T. That said, he struggles when it comes to drama a fair bit, with some of the more intense, emotion-filled scenes can’t come off that way, ending up playing for laughs instead. That said, there are multiple times when he succeeds at the task at hand, allowing audiences to get a better understanding of what’s going on in this kid’s head, and why we need to care about it. Furthermore, the film’s supporting cast helps to push the film’s title statement and how it’s not something that Lawrence says, but something that defines him as a person. The chemistry between the principal cast is strong, enough to get through out-of-place scenes and monologues that almost break the film’s illusion and message(s).
(L-R) Andy McQueen, Alex Ateah, Romina D’Ugo, & Isaiah Lehtinen in I Like Movies. Courtesy of Visit Films.
One of I Like Movies’ strongest aspects is its script, which accurately portrays how a passion, in this case for film, can become toxic as it affects one’s beliefs and the way in which they view others, as well as themselves. Levack’s writing carefully makes sure not to coddle its protagonist or avoid confronting the shortsightedness of his perspective but confront it, showing us clear examples of his behavior even in the opening sequence. The film reflects on its own definition while helping to open the eyes of those who define themselves in a similar way, by their love of film and use it as a driving force as they grow up. That said, there are moments in the film that plainly don’t make sense or really contribute to the story/character depth, and aid the narrative of serving as nostalgia to film lovers who spent their youth browsing the isles of video stores, relying on the fact that the people watching the shots of the various films on shelves to be just as in love with them as they are. The film isn’t genre-breaking by any means and doesn’t say too much that we haven’t already seen played out, but it still knows who its audience is, and includes enough, such as a 4:3 aspect ratio, to make them stay. Furthermore, the plot feels like there’s something left to be wanted, as if the story is incomplete, even though it feels completed at the same time.
I Like Movies is a coming-of-age, not much more, but through its use of nostalgia and charm, you feel motivated to continue the film and appreciate the strength of its writing, direction, and acting, even if it falters at times.
I Like Movies is set to play in Canadian theaters beginning on March 10.
