This has got to be one of the most insufferably boring movies ever made... Complete waste of time.

Wow I cannot believe this didn't get better user reviews...yes it had some flaws (in my opinion) but the overall story was lovely and the actress EASILY steals the show. Elijah is a professional but she is extraordinary and had me laughing a lot. Great feel good movie with a good ending. Finding that a rarity these days. Highly recommend.

Why are children so cocky and lippy to adults these days? Because of movies like this where smart-ass kids are far more intelligent than their adult counterparts and get unbelievable worldly knowledge from nowhere. Manners and respect out the window, and just pure arrogance by the lead here. Not recommended by any means nor should be mistaken for quality entertainment. Thumbs down to Elijah Wood for taking such a part, times mut be tough.

The main character is probably the most obnoxious, arrogant, and unpleasant little s**t you will ever come across in a movie. She had never gone camping before but somehow could do absolutely everything in the outdoors, while her adult father is a complete idiot in every aspect. Simply ridiculous! I watched 2/3 of the movie at speed just to see how bad the story was going to be, and I wasn't disappointed. Don't waste your time!

Beautiful, heartfelt, old school adventure

This is probably a children's movie with how bad the writing and acting is I didn't get into this movie I'm glad I saved my money and didn't go see this in cinemas

Touching film that has a deeper message than what's seen on the surface. At first glance it's just a fun adventure film, but look closer and it's the study of a broken relationship between an absentee father and his precocious daughter. Is she precocious as a defense mechanism? Watch to find out.

Entertaining. there was a panther in NZ?

...the know it all kid who insults Dad all the way along...fits into the age we live in perfectly. It is also unwatchable dreck.

You already know Elijah, but Nell Fisher is going to be a star (she will be in final season of Stranger Things). Fantasia Fest winner. Worth your $$. Very clever & fun.

This movie was wonderful for our three generation family. I’m pretty picky and I loved it. My 8yo watches only animated movies and was enthralled. My 6yo found it intense. My dad thought it was hilarious and my husband who always just falls asleep in movies stayed awake the whole time and said it was “great.” The movie definitely has a droll, theatrical Wes Anderson quality, but the acting has a very appealing naturalness, even though both characters are in a sense playing caricatures in their own lives. Affecting but with a deft touch, never cheesy. Operating on enough levels to engage a thoughtful viewer, and enough antics for even pre- pre- pre-teen to love.

Some people are saying it's inappropriate that a daughter and father are sleeping in the same tent. Come on its a family movie people should go and wash their mouths out with soap and water. It was a good movie so stop giving it low rates because of your inability to understand the human bond that a father and daughter have. 10 out of 10 for story location and cast

Bookworm is an interesting take on a classic adventure. Full of humor, and surprising twists and turns, Bookworm is a quest with a magical touch that kept me on the edge of my seat. Mildred (Nell Fisher) is an 11-year-old girl who has devoted her childhood to proving that the elusive Canterbury Panther exists in the mountains of New Zealand. When a household accident renders her mother (Morgana O'Rielly) incapable of going camping in search of the cat, she is pretty disappointed. However, when her illusionist father Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood) shows up for the first time in her life, she decides to head out anyway. What happens next? An expedition that not only has a classic adventure feel, but also shows that relationships can heal over time. What I like best about this film is not the scenes, characters, or music; it is how the story is told. The way the action develops is different from most movies; it is broken up into chapters with each one adding depth to the plot. And, the plot isn't the best. It starts off fine, but changes midway during their adventure. While the twists and turns kept me wondering what would happen next, they also undermine the main idea of the quest, which is to find the panther. Humor plays a crucial role in the film. With Mildred being a rather to-the-point kid who doesn't have time for nonsense, her dad, Strawn, is the exact opposite. Trying to practice his magic tricks while Mildred is working hard to set up camp is one example. This movie originated from outside of the U. S. and does some very untypically Hollywood things such as when we are observing the conversations between the characters and suddenly the camera zooms out and focuses on a mushroom. It's an odd transition but it does help in rounding out the unusual take of a jungle adventure. The film's message is that there is always a way to solve a problem. An example of this is how Mildred shows that she is always ready to put her bookworm brain to the test to achieve her goal. Be forewarned that there is some profanity in this film and a bit of blood, but nothing gruesome or gory. I give Bookworm 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Bookworm swings into theaters on Oct 18, 2024. By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST!

This is simply put...a dam good movie. At times funny, sad and surprising. It grapples with various personal themes without ever being heavy but also never strays into fluffy family resolutions. Nell Fisher stole the show with some fantastic acting for her age. Go watch it.

No idea what some of these over the top negative comments are about - I think they watched a different movie. The movie is a sweet, funny family adventure story. The trailer is great and gives you a good feel for the tone of the movie. Watch that and the the critic reviews and ratings make a lot more sense.

Horribly written, characters do things against their established characterisation, anger inducing. Does not earn any of its attempts of movie 'magic'. ANGER INDUCING MOMENTS OF INCREDULITY. Badly, badly written, makes no sense within its own logic universe. A quintessential example of bad film making.

I thought Bookwrom was a great movie, and my son really liked it. Targeted for early teens but still my 15-year-old son really loved it. Neil Fisher was awesome and Elijah Wood charismatic and it was complimented by that stunning scenery. We went with another family, kids aged 11 to 15 and all of us really enjoyed it. Perfect outing for the kids!!

First movie to ever make me walk out of a theatre 🎥 Terrible. Just terrible. Not at first...but the story quickly deteriorated with the gradual realization that both main characters are horribly written, inconsistent and repulsive. Jokes and profanity were inappropriate for a PG audience and there were many unexpected references to drugs, sex and dark mature themes. My wife and I eventually reached our tolerance limit. We walked our preteen kids out of the theater and did our best to enjoy the rest of our day. I have no idea what the target audience for this film is meant to be. The rating is too low for adults but the film is simply not suitable for children and families. Considering the amount of inappropriate content the rating needs to be higher but would therefore be incompatible with the marketing towards younger viewers. Don't waste your time.

There was some great scenery and some equally great camera shots . But , oh my goodness ,the movie was terrible. It never really seemed to decide which target audience that it was made for . This indecisive theme permeated it`s shambolic storyline. The meeting with the lone tramper was the real high point ,he was great , and such a pity that his role was fleeting. My daughter went for a long toilet stop part way through the movie, I was only gifted a minor rumbling of my bowels.

Lindsay Evans from Hamilton re BOOKWORM the movie. Entertaining value for money outing from Nell Fisher. The first of her films that I have seen. I hope Nell will make screen acting her lifelong career. Very effectively partnered with Elijah Wood. 10/10 for this NZ effort.