In “Bookworm,” seeing Elijah Wooden exhibit the gorgeous vistas of New Zealand is an indication of an extended journey. Regardless of being set in the identical stunning nation as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings , it doesn’t fairly attain the identical degree of cinematic surprise.
Directed by Ant Timpson, recognized for the extra intense Come to Daddy , Bookworm explores themes of household reconnection with a gentler method. Wooden, together with co-writer Toby Harvard, presents a story of father and little one engaged in playful banter. Whereas the movie is extra family-oriented and sometimes intelligent, it falls quick on pleasure in comparison with Timpson’s earlier works.
The movie’s journey isn’t with out benefit, and there’s nonetheless some pleasure to be discovered as Bookworm builds to its joyful conclusion. Nevertheless, it typically feels misplaced with out the mandatory vitality to really make it an journey. The movie discovers a contact of magic in the direction of the tip, including a closing spark, however the lengthy street up to now makes it okay fairly than nice.
What’s ‘Bookworm’ about?
The movie advantages enormously from Nell Fisher’s efficiency as Mildred, the eponymous bookworm. Mildred is struggling to deal with her mom’s coma after a toaster accident. Her estranged father, Strawn Smart (performed by Wooden), returns to look after her.
Smart, a struggling magician who prefers to be known as an illusionist, is ill-prepared to care for a kid. From the second he arrives, Mildred is unimpressed by his amateurish magic tips and appears much more mature than he’s.
She convinces him to go on an journey into the wilderness to seek out the Canterbury Panther, a legendary creature believed to roam the realm. Mildred hopes to gather video proof of the creature and win a money prize to repay her mom’s money owed.
Timpson’s movie struggles with repetitive comedy and awkward dramatic moments, relying closely on magic tips and references to well-known magicians like David Blaine.
These jokes change into repetitive, particularly because the movie stretches them out. The repetition of scenes the place the duo units up camp daily after minimal progress turns into tiresome. However, Fisher’s efficiency is a saving grace.
Nell Fisher Provides Humor and Depth to ‘Bookworm’
Whereas Wooden brings appeal and humor to his position, Fisher is the movie’s standout performer. Her supply transforms mundane interactions into participating moments, and he or she brings a shocking quantity of emotional depth to pivotal scenes.
Fisher’s efficiency helps Bookworm achieve momentum, notably within the movie’s center. Her potential to stability humor with emotional moments permits viewers to miss a few of the movie’s earlier flaws.
Even when the journey feels uneven and accommodates pressured plot twists, Fisher holds the movie’s course. Whereas the adults round her could wrestle, Fisher persistently excels in each scene.
Her efficiency culminates in a extra vibrant and magical ending. Regardless of the movie’s occasional missteps and sluggish tempo, Fisher’s closing moments provide a rewarding conclusion.
The general impression of the movie
Whereas Bookworm has its strengths, it additionally has notable weaknesses. The movie’s reliance on repetitive jokes and its sluggish tempo can detract from its general enchantment.
Nevertheless, the presence of Nell Fisher provides the movie a big increase, making it price watching regardless of its shortcomings. Fisher’s efficiency not solely provides humor, but in addition depth, making her the principle cause to observe Bookworm.
The journey itself could not all the time really feel thrilling or recent, however the movie’s closing moments, fueled by Fisher’s charisma, present a satisfying conclusion. The journey by means of Bookworm is a combined bag, with moments of brilliance and moments of disappointment. Nonetheless, Fisher’s efficiency ensures that the movie has sufficient appeal to make it pleasant.
