An old actor, an old story, and old tropes may not seem like it would be the perfect movie to
sit down and watch on a Friday night, but “Best Sellers” defies all expectations.
The story follows Lucy Stanbridge, played by Aubrey Plaza, and her misadventures trying to
save her father’s dying publishing house. She enlists the help of Harris Shaw, played by award-winning actor Michael Caine, a cranky, drunk, cursing old author with a death wish. Together the two realize there’s more to books than just the words on the page.
It seems like everything Caine touches turns to gold. Much of the movie’s comedy is carried by the actor. Plaza’s performance provides the neutral perspective to Caine’s wackiness. Plaza, known for her role on the well-known TV show “Parks and Recreation” allows the audience to experience the plot through her eyes, see the many wild outbursts from Caine, get mad at the film’s antagonist, Jack Sinclair, played by Scott Speedman, and rejoice when things start to finally go her way.
Caine, who has stated that this is his final film in his over 60-year career, provides an even mix of tragedy, tenderness and laugh-out-loud comedy. There are moments where the audience will be conflicted on whether they should laugh or feel bad for his character.
Some of the other characters, such as Sinclair, Rachel Spence, played by Ellen Wong, and Drew Davis, played by Veronica Ferres, are all written two-dimensionally, but the actors provide
compelling and captivating performances. When an actor is cast for a role that is billed as
“supporting” or a “talking part” there’s only so much they can do. Fortunately for the audience,
these actors excel in their roles, making the screen time that they all share very enjoyable.
Although much can be correctly assumed from the first few minutes of the movie, the script throws in some new plot points that are not often seen in these types of films. This makes for some unexpected but fresh new takes on the age-old tale. Even better, the film takes place in the modern world and everything that comes with it. Social media, hashtags and cheap t-shits take center stage, mixing very well with the stuffy, old-fashioned character that Caine plays.
A review of this movie would be incomplete without talking about the culture clash – usually
coming in the form of vulgarity – between Caine’s character and Plaza’s. Caine provides a crash course on English formal wear, cars, home décor and, yes, cursing.
There are parts of “Best Sellers” where eyes may roll at the predictability of the plot, but there are many special moments that will make this movie one that will be returned to, like an old troupe, again and again.
