Best Sellers (2021) User Reviews

Why all the negative reviews? Another future Classic

[pappywatts · 7/10 · 14 September 2021]

I have just finished watching this movie, and anything with Michael Caine in his winter years is worth seeing, his characters played over the decades has appealed to audiences across generations.

I didn't honestly feel this was time lost and enjoyed his latest performance, and all the character actors in the movie didn't disappoint,there have been several publisher movies over the past decades,with different themes,with the American ideal, all about the bucks, this particular work had that varnish sprinkled with pathos and humor.

This is actually a slow-burn mystery. Really well done!

[gcsman · 7/10 · 23 September 2021]

On the surface, the storyline of "Best Sellers" seems simple enough. Young book editor Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza), who recently inherited Stanbridge Publishing from her father, attracts famous but long-silent author Harris Shaw (Michael Caine) back into business after he unexpectedly has a new novel to offer. They set out on a publicity road tour in and around Boston and New York, and lots is learned about both of them, leading up to a revelatory finish. By turns it's poignant, wry, funny, or all three at once. It's a 'little' film, very human-centered, and really well done. Michael Caine is predictably excellent, so it turns out that the success of the film depends a lot on Aubrey Plaza's acting (is he going to steal every scene, or can she stand up to him?) since she's probably on screen the most of all. Turns out she does pretty well, and it's not just him that we end up interested in.

The character-driven progress of the story is all about how Lucy tries to manage Harris through her publisher's agenda of getting the new book publicized versus his stubborn resistance ('crusty old codger' doesn't say the half of it). The script leaves a lot of questions hanging in the air. Why is Harris so cranky and at times downright mean to her, his own agent? Why is he an apparently self-loathing drunk and why hasn't he written anything in 40 years? What about her father, who was Harris's editor long ago? Is the new book going to take off, or her company going to go under? All these questions get clever and complete answers, and when they do, the story suddenly starts to cut a lot deeper and gain many new layers. I thought, though, a bit too much of the Reveal got packed into the last 20 minutes or so of Act 3. The long central Act 2 is all about the road trip, which is always teetering hilariously on the brink of collapse. Lucy is constantly driven to distraction, and Harris constantly looks so rumpled and dissolute that you wonder if Michael Caine himself is really that frail; is it all an act?

There's a quietly brilliant set of scenes where Lucy gets fed up with Harris's recalcitrance and recruits fans to do readings from his new book instead, which then go viral on the Web. And another where devoted readers ceremonially burn the book after reading it (which makes pefect sense in context -- you have to see it).

And the ending -- also very quietly done, but Wow. Everything is going to be all right. And it's satisfying, not just something that was pulled in out of left field. It makes perfect sense knowing what we know by then about Harris and his hidden history. What's an author going to do for 40 years except write?

Michael Caine still got it.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 19 December 2021]

Best Sellers won't disappoint much people. There's a captivating story, sometimes sentimental, sometimes funny, and some good actors. For the funny parts it was mostly due to the character of Ellen Wong, for the sentimental parts the difficult relarionship between Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza. Ellen Wong had a smaller part but was funny. Michael Caine (already 88 years old) still has it. Audrey Plaza in a slightly different role that we're normally used of did okay. I can't say I was bored by this movie, on the contrary it's an engaging story easy to follow. Best Sellers isn't a fast paced action movie, it's rather slow, a lot of conversations, but they all add something to the emotional story.

Sentimental

[ferdinand1932 · 7/10 · 16 September 2021]

Writers, novel writers certainly, should rise up against their movie cliché. In movies, painters and musicians are presented as sociable, attractive even, characters, but book writers are alcoholic misanthropes whose only company are cats.

This film takes this and similar tropes and applies the movie cliché of incompatible partners/opposites coming to like each other as well as the old man and young woman dichotomy, both of whom are on their uppers, albeit in different ways. Formulas are proven and so we are set on our way.

While the premise is established, the journey, literally, does offer some fresher angles, at least in terms of the publishing business. The blunt speech, calling cant for what it is, the pervasiveness of social media and celebrity, the shallowness of our culture, are done comically and with effect. How the calque curse word took hold is a mystery.

The pacing and editing keep things going well as we move from one plot point to the next and although it's not necessarily new material, the energy does not flag. The photography and locations are striking, somber and moody, wintry light which adds a more realistic edge to the narrative.

But the reason to stay with this story are the performances. Casting can elevate a film even if the other aspects are a little staid and that's what is on show here. Caine and Plaza hold it together as both leads take us through the journey where their antagonism turns to friendship. It's sentimental, just like the movie poster of Caine grinning.

They are supported with a good team of actors too and while the humans did their job admirably, the cat deserves an award for a memorable and nuanced cameo performance; perhaps even Best Supporting Actor would be fitting, if species rules are not still enforced.

Not Citizen Kane But Good!

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 6 October 2021]

Its a sweet movie full of charm and humour that was a delight to watch.

Pretty predictable but it takes nothing away from the enjoyment :)

Mediocre plot but decent performances

[CrazyArty · 6/10 · 24 May 2022]

A struggling publisher accompanies a cranky old author on his final book tour. Stars Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza.

Decent performances in this comedy drama but the plot is not strong enough to make this more than a mediocre film.

There are a couple interesting plot twists but overall it's not that moving or indeed that entertaining.

clunky first half, better second half

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 10 January 2022]

Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza) is struggling to maintain her book publishing father's legacy. Her books are being skewered by critics and Jack Sinclair (Scott Speedman) is trying to buy her out. She and her assistant Rachel Spence (Ellen Wong) discover an old contract with legendary writer Harris Shaw (Michael Caine). Harris wrote a groundbreaking blockbuster with her father but nothing more. In the contract, he owes the company one more book and she forces the sickly drunken writer to do a book tour.

The first half is trying to be a slightly comedic road trip with Plaza doing Plaza. It's a bit uneven and clunky. It's not until Aubrey throws up into the bowl that the movie finds its heart. The second half is much better for it. I'm not sure if this is a realistic book publishing world but at least, the movie is trying. One does need to stick with this movie for awhile before it gets good.

Disappointing

[eliza00016 · 5/10 · 30 November 2021]

This film could have been so much more but was limited by an extremely superficial treatment of the characters. Audrey Plaza's acting was wooden and Michael Caine's talent limited by the script.

Publishing might be a solo endeavor, but influencing how others perceive you is priceless

[noshouse · 6/10 · 23 September 2023]

Agency rights are truly a personal perspective and market gamble. When a publishing house releases a book and markets it, it's essentially endorsing the author's values. This mirrors the world of agency rights in the marketplace, where you're betting on the value and impact of a product and how well it aligns with consumers through the supply chain. In the movie, there isn't much emphasis on why Lucy Stanbridge took such a gamble on Harris Shaw or if she was simply left with no choice but to trust the contract her father left behind. However, as depicted in the trailer, it becomes evident that it's only through experiencing the ups and downs together that partners can build trust and have unwavering faith that Harris Shaw can indeed write a good book. The film, in essence, is a light-hearted take on the subject.

Let's Not Exaggerate Its Value

[rogercg1 · 5/10 · 22 September 2021]

I love Michael Caine, but, this is simply not a good vehicle, script-wise. It takes itself far too seriously "comedy-wise." There is one ridiculous scene, which I certainly won't give away, but, has a touch of arson. It's beyond silly. Michael, unfortunately, doesn't have many performances left obviously due to his age. I'm sure he's grateful to be working, regardless of his immense abilities. I stuck with it until the end, but, I was deeply disappointed. Aubrey Plaza seems miscast to me. Other characters are stereotypical.

Michael Caine is a world treasure

[murtdoc · 9/10 · 16 September 2021]

Michael Caine makes it all seem so natural and beautiful. And Plaza is like the cherry on top, she's always at her best.

Solid, but not exceptional

[fraser-simons · 7/10 · 19 September 2021]

There's a bit more here than what you'd expect from this kind of story, but not a whole lot more. No problem with the acting. Serviceably shot. Has more to say about the publishing industry than I had expected. Yet there does feel like there is something missing to distinguish itself further. Worth a watch but doubt it'll stay with me for long.

A real disappointment that Caine didn't have a better vehicle

[steiner-sam · 4/10 · 21 September 2021]

It's set in modern times and tells the story of a young publisher who has inherited her presumed dead father's respected publishing house. It follows her interaction with a famous author who had one masterpiece decades earlier but has published nothing since.

Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza), the young publisher, has specialized in young adult fiction, but things are not going well. Her former boyfriend, Jack Sinclair (Scott Speedman), wants to buy the business and merge it into his much larger enterprise. Lucy and her assistant, Rachel (Ellen Wong), decide they need a book sensation to get Stanbridge Publishing back on track. They discover that Harris Shaw (Michael Caine) had written one great book published by Lucy's father, Joseph (Luc Morissette). In fact, Shaw's contract indicates he owes the publisher one more book.

The rest of the movie follows Lucy's efforts to get a book from the abusive, reclusive, foul-mouthed, alcoholic Shaw. Once achieving that goal, the rest of the film follows the book tour that Lucy Stanbridge and Harris Shaw take to promote the book. All of Shaw's faults shine throughout the book tour until we learn the cause of Shaw's pain in the end.

This is another of those movies that can't figure out what it wants to do. Initially, it edges towards comedy but then tries to lapse into drama. Neither works all that well. There are moments when Michael Caine's characterization of an 80-something curmudgeon works well, but basically, something is amiss in the screenplay. It's a real disappointment that Caine didn't have a better vehicle.

8 stars for the terrific acting performance by Michael Caine, but only 7 stars for a less than great direction...

[imseeg · 7/10 · 5 October 2021]

The good: Michael Caine, Michael Caine, Michael Caine.

Any bad? Lacking in greatness in direction.

Still recomended for all those fans of Michael Caine (and of Aubrey Plaza).

The story: it's a slowburning tale about a young woman (Aubrey Plaza) who needs an old guy like Michael Caine to publish another book, in order not to go bankrupt with her book publishing company.

The chemistry between Caine and Plaza is admirable. With a bit more tight knit direction this movie could have risen to greater highs, but as it is now, it is definitely a funny and lovely lighthearted buddy drama about 2 persons slowly growing fond of each other...

Does really deserve more attention then the mere 30 Imdb reviews, because this is quite an intimate gem!

Best Sellers

[henry8-3 · 6/10 · 24 May 2022]

Lucy, played by Aubrey Plaza, is now in charge of a publishing company made respectful by her father who published the only work of regarded novelist Harris Shaw - Michael Caine. With the company now in financial jeopardy, Lucy persuades life hating grump Shaw to do a book tour to promote his first book in years.

Whilst the storyline is hardly original and indeed runs down a very familiar path, Caine is, as ever, terrific and Plaza, best known for Parks and Recreation, is his equal and adds great charm to the story as the principal lead. The first 2 thirds is often hilarious with Caine swearing at everyone and refusing to cooperate with Plaza, whilst the last third heads more towards the dramatic end of the scale and the predictable but sweetly managed denouement. Funny, sweet and old fashioned.

Caine & Plaza Show

[johnnyhbtvs27 · 6/10 · 2 December 2021]

Nice little heartwarmer with good performances from Michael Caine & Aubrey Plaza. Mostly filled with stuff you've seen before & you can call everything that will happen in the movie in the first 20 minutes, the two leads carry the film over the line and make it worthwhile. Ellen Wong is likeable as Plaza's assistant and Cary Elwes has a great one scene cameo as a critic for The Times which is worth price of admission in itself.

Memorable

[Gordon-11 · 25 September 2021]

I find the story very engaging. I find the two leads charismatic and memorable.

Pleasant Surprise

[superc-89158 · 7/10 · 21 January 2022]

It's amazing what a difference a movie can make with good acting. Caine and Plaza are two really likable people. Plaza seems sincere not one of those Barbie actresses that you never believe. Stumble upon this movie in cable and hearing Caine's voice dragged me right in. It must have been good because I couldn't turn it off and a pleasure to see Caine again.

Terrible

[spuds-27344 · 1/10 · 3 October 2021]

This film reminded me of some of the stuff DeNiro was cranking out late in his career, like he desperately needed money and didn't much care about the script, or his craft. I'd rank it just a tad higher than that dreadful Casey Affleck movie, A Ghost Story.

The acting and plot were very weak. Does the director think we're stupid? Caine's fake phlegmy cough, Aubrey Plaza's fake barfing, the dumping of a beer mug (seriously?) full of Elizabeth's and then Harris' ashes (I thought the cat had died,) was too much. Who attempts self-immolation in a bookstore and gets some seemingly fast healing hand and arm burns?

I didn't feel any of Aubrey's anxiety, never sensed that she was on the brink of losing this publishing company because of Caine's drunken insipidness, never felt like she was in fact the brains behind this teetering enterprise.

This movie was a waste of time and money.

Loved it & loved them plus great little soundtrack

[louiseperry-473-658554 · 7/10 · 23 September 2021]

Loved it & loved them plus great little soundtrack.

80s weak style movie, with the worst film score

[laplayaponiente · 1/10 · 18 September 2021]

This film was directed poorly, with the acting flimsy and unbelievable considering the ability of the main actors. The film score was excruciatingly bad. The story was weak and needed the nuance of the scenes to bring it to life. It didn't happen.

Truth is Always the First Casualty

[solojere · 8/10 · 29 November 2021]

Best Sellers is a great feel-good movie and a fitting ending to a legendary career. The film follows Aubrey Plaza, who is a young struggling publisher. In order to save her company, she seeks outs Michael Caine, a cranky, retired author who is still under contract. Supposedly this is going to be Sr. Michael Caine's final film, and while anything is possible, it certainly feels likes the end of an era. And while this probably won't go down as his greatest movie, he still gives an amazing and emotional performance. Aubrey Plaza, who I feel like you never know what you are going to get from her, also does a fantastic job with what she is given to work with. ITs not a perfect film, but the two main actors have great chemistry, and they really make you care about the characters. I would give it a watch for Michael Caine alone.

Michael Caine is an icon

[kkuenz · 7/10 · 24 September 2021]

Enjoyable movie, flows well. I must say that the role of Rachel portrayed by Ellen Wong is unmistakably reminiscence of a younger Lucy Liu. Appears so evident to my eyes. Still worthwhile.

A Book Publisher who doesn't read what she publishes ..... that says it all

[thejdrage · 3/10 · 10 September 2022]

Plaza and Speedman are far from my favorites - and they remain on that low list. I watched this for Michael Caine. And the cat. I finished it only for Michael Caine.

Plaza is a trust fund baby - to the fullest. She's a book editor that doesn't read the books she publishes. AND she doesn't know how to use a turn signal (my big pet peeve).

All of a sudden she turns a sour old man into a kindly curmudgeon and all is well with the writing world.

The MASSIVE jump happens over a bottle of Johnny Walker Black. It's obviously a magic elixir.

And all of a sudden, Cain's character leaves her dozens of books of his to finish - event though she hadn't read his first one.

How we got from point A - Z, I have no idea. There's a whole lot missing in the middle, thus a VERY shallow, hollow movie. How sad.

If it hadn't been Michael Caine, I would have opted out of finishing this. Plaza and Speedman bring nothing - as per usual.

An absolute waste of time. IMHO.

Aubrey Plaza's worst performance

[QCVD · 14 September 2021]

Actually, i'm a big fan of her but she acts incredibly poor in this movie. May be, it is a casting issue, because you can't cast Aubrey Plaza into an Anne Hathaway role. Plaza is chaotic, unpredictable and funny in a creepy way. I don't understand why she accepted an ivy league graduated-daddy issued-coorporate girl part. And she really couldn't act through that boring character with some mediocre dialogues.

Script is boring, movie is really bad. Michael Caine is incredible as always. I really needed some fun but this movie is far from it.