A Smart, Funny Story About Modern Media

Read Time:5 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Dirty Books
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2016
Runtime: 16m
Director(s): Zachary Lapierre
Writer(s): Ian Everhart, Zachary Lapierre
Cast: Noah Bailey, Timothy J. Cox, Carly Yon, Amber Magin, Ansley Berg, Isaiah Lapierre
Where to Watch: available to watch now, here: www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: There’s something timeless about the idea of a high school newspaper—enthusiastic teenagers chasing stories that feel monumental within their own microcosm. DIRTY BOOKS takes that premise and infuses it with both humor and a commentary on how journalism and ethics collide, even at the most novice level. This 16-minute short film demonstrates that with the right execution, small stories can have just as much impact as sprawling feature films.

The premise is simple on the surface: David, the editor-in-chief of Prichard Hall School’s printed newspaper, discovers that the administration plans to shut it down in favor of a digital blog. For a teenager who believes in the tactile, tangible presence of print media, this feels like a deathblow. Instead of accepting defeat, David hatches a plan to save the paper: find a story so compelling it will convince the school leadership to keep the presses rolling—even if that story needs to be fabricated.

What makes DIRTY BOOKS stand out isn’t just its clever hook; it’s how it explores ambition and moral compromise with a light but thoughtful touch. David’s desperation is understandable—anyone who has ever poured their heart into something only to watch it be deemed obsolete can relate. Yet the film doesn’t let him off the hook for considering dishonesty as a solution. It asks viewers to consider where the line between ambition and integrity lies, without ever veering into heavy-handed moralizing.

Noah Bailey anchors the film as David. His performance captures both the determination and naivety of a teen convinced he can outsmart the system. He’s enthusiastic without being offensive (to most), driven without being unlikable. In a short runtime, Bailey manages to give David dimension—his stubbornness makes you shake your head, but his passion makes you root for him. It’s a fine line to walk, and Bailey handles it with skill.

Timothy J. Cox, a familiar face in the indie short film world, plays Principal Dr. Bradley with a mix of authority and astonishment. His scenes with Bailey are some of the film’s highlights, as the clash between a seasoned adult and an idealistic teen provides both humor and heart. Cox has a knack for elevating small roles, and his presence gives the film an added polish. Carly Yon and Amber Magin also make solid impressions, rounding out a youthful cast that feels authentic rather than overly polished or caricatured.

Director Zachary Lapierre and co-writer Ian Everhart deserve credit for how tightly constructed DIRTY BOOKS is. At 16 minutes, there’s no room for filler, and there isn’t a wasted line. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue feels natural, and the editing ensures the story flows smoothly. The film has an energy that keeps it engaging from start to finish. It’s simple, but there’s intentionality behind each shot that enhances the storytelling.

DIRTY BOOKS strikes a balance that’s harder to achieve than it looks. It’s humorous without being too generic, and it carries a thoughtful undercurrent without turning into a lecture. The film pokes fun at teenage self-importance while still treating David’s plight with respect. For him, this is life-or-death stakes; for the adults around him, it’s a blip on the radar. That gap in perspective is where much of the humor resides, but the film never patronizes its protagonist or the teenage experience as a whole. Instead, it invites viewers of all ages to reflect on their own moments of youthful determination.

What also stands out is how relevant the film feels, even years after its release. Conversations about the decline of print media and the rise of digital platforms are just as pressing now as they were in 2016, and likely even more so. While the stakes are obviously scaled down in this high school setting, the themes resonate on a larger scale. DIRTY BOOKS mirrors the broader media landscape’s struggles with clickbait, sensationalism, and the temptation to prioritize attention-grabbing headlines over substance. It’s impressive that a film set entirely in a high school can evoke those larger conversations while still functioning as an entertaining character-driven piece.

The title itself is a bold double entendre. Without giving anything away, it hints at the kind of sensational story David thinks he needs to save the paper. That tongue-in-cheek humor permeates the film, giving it a playful edge even when the subject matter dips into ethical gray areas. This balance of levity and commentary makes it accessible and thought-provoking in equal measure. It’s a smart indie short that delivers both laughs and reflection.

Ultimately, DIRTY BOOKS is about more than just saving a school newspaper. It’s about the lengths we’ll go to protect what we value, and how easy it is to justify cutting corners when we feel backed into a corner. It’s a story that feels universal, told through the lens of teenage ambition and the woes of modern media. Whether you’re a student, a journalist, or simply someone who loves a good underdog story, this short film earns its place on your watchlist.

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[photo courtesy of FITCH FORT FILMS]

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