I Like Movies Christian Review
A Quiet Triumph in Indie Filmmaking
In a world that often demands grand gestures and epic narratives, I Like Movies stands out not for its ambition to dazzle, but for its quiet sincerity. Chandler Levack’s debut feature is a far cry from the typical teen comedies that dominated the 2000s, a genre often populated with exaggerated antics and predictable arcs. Instead, Levack brings us a film that feels grounded, intimate, and above all, deeply human. This is a movie about growing up, yes, but more importantly, it’s about learning to reconcile the person you thought you were with the one you’re becoming.
At the heart of this film is a young protagonist working at a video store—a place that, in its own way, serves as both a haven and a metaphor for his emotional journey. It’s the sort of setting that is at once familiar and faded, much like the protagonist himself. The film doesn’t rely on flashy locations or cinematic grandeur. Instead, it offers a look at the small, seemingly insignificant moments that shape who we are. These moments may seem unremarkable on the surface, but Levack has a way of turning them into something meaningful, allowing her film to speak with a rare kind of honesty.
A Character at the Crossroads of Youth and Maturity
The protagonist of I Like Movies is a character that many viewers will find themselves identifying with. He’s unsure, a little lost, and, like so many young people, he’s grappling with how to move forward when everything feels uncertain. In a way, this film’s approach to coming-of-age storytelling feels like a modern twist on a classic theme. The usual rites of passage—relationships, awkwardness, self-discovery—are all present, but they unfold in such a way that feels both fresh and timeless.
As Christian viewers, we often talk about the journey of faith as one of transformation, not in the grandiose sense of an instantaneous miracle, but in the quiet, day-to-day changes that add up over time. This movie echoes that sentiment. The protagonist may not have a sudden epiphany or dramatic shift in perspective, but what’s compelling is the process. It’s in the small realizations and the quiet acceptance of imperfection that we see him begin to grow. This is a narrative that echoes the ongoing nature of spiritual growth—no one is ever “perfect” all at once, but through patience, grace, and time, we begin to evolve into the people we’re meant to be.
Embracing Imperfection in an Inauthentic World
The thing that most immediately stands out about I Like Movies is its honesty. The film refuses to coddle its protagonist, showing him at his best and his worst without sugarcoating the messy reality of life. There’s no neat bow tied on the end of this story, and in a way, that makes it more relatable. We all know that life doesn’t resolve neatly, and this film reminds us that the struggles we face—whether it’s the awkwardness of adolescence or the uncertainty of our place in the world—are shared experiences that deserve to be seen and acknowledged.
This authenticity extends to how the film handles its themes. At its core, I Like Movies is about self-acceptance and the process of learning to grow in the face of flaws. It doesn’t have an overtly religious message, but for Christians, it touches on themes that are deeply rooted in our faith. The idea that God meets us where we are, flawed and imperfect, but still capable of transformation, is reflected in the protagonist’s journey. Like the protagonist, we too are called to grow and mature, not by dismissing our flaws but by embracing them and learning from them.
The Beauty of Simplicity: A Reminder of What Matters
One of the striking things about I Like Movies is its simplicity. The film is shot with minimal resources, and many of the locations are ordinary and unremarkable. But within this simplicity lies its strength. In a time when cinema often relies on special effects, lavish budgets, and flashy scenes, Levack chooses to focus on the small, intimate details of life. The story doesn’t need to be over-the-top to resonate; it simply needs to be real.
For Christians, this is a subtle yet powerful reminder that God often works in the quiet, mundane moments of our lives. While we may crave the extraordinary, the truth is that the most transformative moments often happen when we least expect them—when we’re just living out our day-to-day existence. In much the same way, I Like Movies finds its beauty in the small, quiet spaces between the action. This focus on the details makes the film feel real, accessible, and ultimately rewarding.
Imperfections and Relatability: Why It Works
The performances in I Like Movies may not always be polished, but they are deeply authentic. The lead performance by Lehtinen is particularly noteworthy, embodying a character that feels both awkward and endearing. There are moments where the acting feels rough around the edges, but that only adds to the film’s charm. It’s easy to overlook these small imperfections because they are, in their own way, part of what makes the film feel so genuine. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always flawless, but it’s in our imperfections that we find our humanity.
What’s truly compelling about I Like Movies is its universality. While it deals with specific experiences—working in a video store, living in a small town—the emotions and challenges it explores are shared by all of us. Whether you’re a young person figuring out your future, or an adult looking back at your own coming-of-age years, the feelings of uncertainty, growth, and self-reflection are timeless. And it’s in this relatability that I Like Movies truly shines. It’s a film that anyone, regardless of age or background, can connect with on a personal level.
Conclusion: A Warm, Thoughtful Exploration of Youth
I Like Movies doesn’t have the grandiosity of many coming-of-age stories, but that’s what makes it so special. Levack has crafted a film that feels both honest and hopeful, offering a nuanced take on the journey of growing up. The film is a quiet exploration of self-acceptance, growth, and the imperfect beauty of life. For those of us who have ever struggled with the tension between who we are and who we want to be, I Like Movies offers a message of grace and patience.
In a world where we are often taught to chase after perfection, I Like Movies serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the small steps of growth and the acceptance of who we are right now. For Christians, it’s a film that speaks to the quiet work of transformation that happens in our hearts over time.
Rating: 8/10
