FilmSnobReviews

Title: Best Sellers
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Lina Roessler
Starring: Michael Caine, Aubrey Plaza, Scott Speedman
Runtime: 1 hr 42 mins

What It Is: Lucy Stanbridge (Plaza) owns a book publishing company. One that was passed on to her from her father. The business is struggling. They’re not selling books and their latest YA series is bottoming out. When they discover they still have curmudgeonly Harris Shaw (Caine) under contract Lucy will try to squeeze a new book out of the whiskey-loving old hermit. When the book isn’t an immediate hit they set out on a book tour. One that leads to some surprising results.

What We Think: There’s nothing inherently wrong with the film itself. It’s a decently made and competently directed piece. Plaza and Caine have great chemistry. The script is a little derivative and you can see it all coming a mile away. Nonetheless, this is one of those times when a movie just makes you feel nice. Sometimes that’s important. Sometimes being able to watch 90% of a film with your mother is a nice touch. Roessler makes do with what she has and turns in something that while not memorable is also not bad. These are the hardest films to discuss because there’s nothing that stands out as bad.

Our Grade: C+, Best I can say is that this is a well made movie with a predictable script. Decent performances can’t make up for the predictability. That said have fun with this one. It more then holds up even if you won’t remember it a few days later and it won’t stick with you past the credits. Aubrey Plaza is always on. We’d recommend checking out Black Bear if you want to see her doing her best work. Not JUST because your friendly neighborhood snobs are in the trailer.