I Like Movies: Loving Cinema Does Not Make Growing Up Easier

I Like Movies is a candid coming-of-age comedy about a film enthusiast whose passion does not make him easy company. Seventeen-year-old Lawrence takes a video-store job while dreaming of film school. His arrogance and insensitivity repeatedly complicate the relationships he needs.

Isaiah Lehtinen makes that combination of obsession and insecurity recognisable rather than merely irritating. Lawrence's strained relationship with his mother shows how readily ambition can obscure someone else's attempts to help.

Romina D'Ugo gives store manager Alana depth beyond her role in Lawrence's development. Her own experience of the film industry and disappointed hopes make their friendship a meeting of complicated people. It challenges them both, rather than simply rewarding his love of movies.

Chandler Levack understands the world of cinephiles. Film references and the early-2000s video-store setting evoke a physical place where enthusiasm could be shared. Nostalgia supports the atmosphere without becoming the film's only interest.

The mixture of humour and seriousness gives friendship, ambition and personal growth an honesty I appreciate. Lawrence is allowed to be difficult, and his development remains entertaining and thoughtful instead of being reduced to a sentimental celebration of the misunderstood film nerd.

Strong performances and a considered script make this a rewarding portrait. It loves cinema while acknowledging that loving cinema does not remove the awkward work of learning to live with other people.