NZIFF: I Like Movies

Love-letters to cinema are a dime a dozen, but not many can lay claim to having the heart and charm humour of Chandler Levack’s nostalgic, appealing charming debut.

It’s 2003, Netflix is still just a postal service, video stores are thriving, and the multiplex is king—what a time to be alive for teenage film buff, Lawrence Kweller.

Whilst the love language of his cohorts consists of sharing a Wendy’s thick shake and fries, Lawrence’s charm offensive involves waxing lyrical about the acting chops of Adam Sandler (before the Safdie Brothers made it cool). When his best friend attempts to steadily distance himself from the desperately uncool young cinephile, Lawrence finds solace in his new job at the local video store, “Sequels”.

Writer/Director Chandler Levack gives no free passes, and affectionately holds her protagonist to
account throughout for his selfish tendencies and problematic views, not least those regarding women filmmakers. Lawrence may be a delusional dork, but Levack’s smart script and Isaiah Lehtinen’s stellar performance allow his tender vulnerability to shine through, resulting in a heartfelt, neatly crafted coming-of-age film.

Rated M