Behold the latest cinematic offering, *Bookworm*, a delightful trifle that’s fluffier than a cloud on a sugar high. Starring Eliah Wood, whose 90’s nostalgia is unmatched, and the promising Nell Fisher, this adventure-comedy tosses together a magician father and his camping-averse daughter like salad ingredients, all in pursuit of the mythological Canterbury Panther. Spoiler alert: no one ever finds it, least of all the audience’s interest if the premise is anything to go by.
The poster itself is an artful cacophony, resembling something a hipster barista doodled while waiting for a soy latte. We’re treated to the enchanting juxtaposition of an earthy palette, whimsical mushrooms, and the foreboding presence of a large feline that seems to mock the efforts of our hapless heroes. Somehow, it screams “adorable” while whispering “you’ll regret this.”
It’s reassuring to see that *Bookworm* comes with the seal of approval from *IndieWire*, which describes it as “adorable, complex, and deliriously entertaining.” Darlings, you can put a bow on it and call it a gift, but that doesn’t make it a Christmas classic. Instead, this sounds more like the dinner invitation you agree to out of guilt—polite but ultimately forgettable.
As the narrative twirls through the usual father-daughter disputes, rehashed magical mishaps, and mythological creatures, it begs the question: are we simply perpetuating a cycle of predictable plots wrapped in shiny visuals? Directors who keep relying on the ‘lost father’ trope should take a cue from the inventive angst of Guillermo del Toro or even the absurdity woven by Wes Anderson. At least they manage to enrich their cinematic worlds beyond the predictable.
So, is there room for films like *Bookworm* in our cinematic universe, or are they merely filler in between the heady art films and bloated franchise blockbusters? Dive deeper into the quagmire of the latest movie news here for a bountiful dose of snark and insight.
image source: Reddit
