Bestsellers movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Bestsellers

This dramedy is available in theaters and Video on Demand on September 17, 2021.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 40 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

In a last-ditch effort to save the boutique publishing house her father has left her after his death, an ambitious young editor goes on a book tour with an aging, bitter, and boozy author who was one of the first writers to put the publishing house on the map. The film is directed by Lina Roessler and written by Anthony Grieco.

THINGS I LIKED:

As an author and an author coach, I simply had to watch this movie. I was curious to see what they were going to do with the story and with the legendary Sir Michael Caine. By the way, in order to properly pronounce his name with is own accent, say “My Cocaine.” ha ha It sounds just like him, right?
Great opener with the cat and introduction to Sir Michael Caine’s crusty character.
The cast also includes Aubrey Plaza, who gives a mature performance, and Ellen Wong as the faithful employee.
Didn’t everyone fall in love with Cary Elwes after watching The Princess Bride? Sadly, he’s only in one tiny scene in the film.
There are some tender, touching moments.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Considering the movie is about literature, the writing is surprisingly pedestrian and disappointing.
I hate watching people smoke and drink themselves to death.
There are some bad, shallow acting moments, none by Sir Michael Caine, of course.
Super cheesy music.
Extremely predictable.
Some side storylines completely disappear with no resolution.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

English and British profanity, including F-bombs (spoken and written)
A man urinates in public
A man flips the bird
You see a woman throw up
Drunken, selfish, indulgent behavior
Lots of alcohol

THEMES:

Hope
Aging
Being relevant
Mourning
Guilt
Fraud
Communication
Responsibility
Legacy
Fears

FUNNY LINES:

“Christ had followers. It didn’t end well for him.” – Harris Shaw (Sir Michael Caine)
“He’s not homophobic. He hates everybody.” – Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza)
“Kale’s out. Scotch is in.” – Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza)
“You’re you…but nicer. You’re you…but censored.” – Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Art is not propaganda. It is an expression of the truth.” – Harris Shaw (Sir Michael Caine)
“From the root to the fruit.” – Harris Shaw (Sir Michael Caine)