Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-16 10:31:24

A beautiful, heartrending film!

This review is from: Paper Man (Amazon Instant Video) For me, this movie had it all. Humor, depth of character, incredible acting, a dynamic setting and subtlety that twisted and mended my heart all at once. I originally chose this movie because I was looking to watch something, anything with Ryan Reynolds in it. I had never even heard of this particular movie before and I was very surprised to learn that he had a role in it. Ryan certainly performed but what made me fall in love with this film was the nuance and layers of emotion portrayed by all of the actors, most especially Emma Stone and Jeff Daniels. There is a pervading sense of quiet levity and insight to this film. It was delicately thoughtful and softly capricious.

2012-05-15 21:37:19

Wonderful Film

Paper Man is a beautiful, quirky, strange movie that jumped up out of left field and grabbed me. I loved this film; it is what good independent film is all about.It is very difficult to describe this film, or talk about what is so great; other than to say, the last 15 minutes of this film are the huge pay off. In a few quiet, simple shots, the directors Kieran and Michele Mulroney bring the story to an unpredictable conclusion. I was both happy and sad at the conclusion of this film. Richard Dunn published a book, and apparently has writer's block. His wife, Dr. Dunn, drives him to a small cottage in a seaside town (Montauk, Long Island) so that he can concentrate on his writing. As Richard sits in the car, Captain Excellent shows up to tell him he senses trouble. It's clear; something isn't exactly 100% right with Richard. Eventually his wife leaves and Richard rides a tiny Sting Ray bicycle into town. He meets Abby, a troubled high school student. The film forges ahead from there, exploring the relationship between Abby and Richard. The film is almost two hours long. Many times I found myself thinking, this will end badly, no this will end very badly. About an hour and a half into the film, I found myself a little bit bored with the film, trying to figure out where it was going to end. Once the ending comes around about fifteen minutes later, it is clear this film is exactly the correct length. Technically, this is not an outstanding film. The camera work is fairly sloppy. But it redeems itself just shortly after the big reveal in the last 15 minutes of the film. There is a montage with the most precise perfect framing that represents the character standing on the precipice of death and life (the rafters forming a type of cathedral around Abby the main character). The soundtrack of this film is incredible. This is some of the best independent music I've heard in a film in a very long time. Mark McAdam is the primary performer, the songs are acoustic, alternative sound (Paper Man Songs). The soundtrack reminded me of Middle Brother, Delta Spirit, Deer Tick, and Dawes - not as upbeat as these guys, but in the same genre. The film is perfectly cast. Jeff Daniels has played this role before, the confused author in The Answer Man (The Answer Man) and The Squid and the Whale (The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition)). But I still love the way he plays this role - he is a natural. Ryan Reynolds deserves something special for playing Mr. Excellent. How they got him to put on that tight blue suit, dye his hair white, and play such a dead pan funny role is amazing. There is absolutely no evidence of Van Wilder anywhere in this film (National Lampoon's Van Wilder (Unrated Two-Disc Edition)). Emma Stone has the most incredible piercing blue eyes in this film. She is a beautiful confused young woman. My only criticism of her acting, at times she seemed a bit older than a high school student - 16 to 18 years old. She was 20 years old at the time of filming. Lisa Kudrow was great as the anal control freak wife, Dr. Dunn. Fortunately, she had a smaller part in the film. I'm afraid if she had been in the film much more, Phoebe would have come back. Kieran Culkin does an excellent job playing the sulking dark Christopher. He brings a lot to a pivotal but small part. He was outstanding in Igby Goes Down (Igby Goes Down).The film is rated R. There is a lot of strong language. There are several references to smoking a J, and underage kids are shown drinking. The film touched emotionally on the theme of death, and some could interpret the relationship between Richard and Abby as inappropriate (they would be wrong, but it is possible to see that). There was no nudity and no blood or gore (well a fish gets hacked up pretty mercilessly). I would suggest that this film is appropriate for a more mature younger viewer. This film is almost the definition of quirky. There are a lot of independent films made that are just strange to be strange; this is not one of those films. Perfectly casted - Jeff Daniels and Emma Stone are a pleasure to watch - beautiful music, and a wonderful message; this is a film well worth watching.

Robert Levin 2012-05-14 03:09:40

It's tough to watch such a glum progression through the familiar, with bits of quirk dissected and bandied about.

Zfarrow 2012-05-13 07:41:03

Awesome

What an inventive feature debut for this killer directing duo. PaperMan successfully manages to mix big concept with the feel of anintimate character driven film. A fun, inventive, drama told through acomic frame. Great performances from the whole star-studded cast. Awell- observed, tightly knit spiral into a troubled man's psyche, thefilm takes off fast and doesn't stop until its surprising and tenseconclusion. It's refreshing to see indie-style filmmaking coming fromsuch an accomplished cast and crew. Thumbs up for an original andmoving soundtrack. Thumbs up for unique concept. Thumbs up for a great,creative partnership from its creators. Netflix it. Amazon it. Enjoyit.

Hellmant 2012-05-09 07:19:20

Stone shines, Reynolds underused.

'PAPER MAN': Three Stars (Out of Five) Quirky comedy / drama starring Jeff Daniels, the up and coming EmmaStone (of 'SUPERBAD', 'ZOMBIELAND' and 'EASY A' fame, she was also justcast as Gwen Stacy in the upcoming 'SPIDER-MAN' reboot), Lisa Kudrow,Kieran Culkin and Ryan Reynolds in yet another superhero role (althoughthis one's imaginary). The film is written and directed by Michele andKieran Mulroney (a long time actor). Despite the talent involved thefilm received a very limited theatrical release and garnered mostlynegative critical reviews. The film has it's fans though as it sits ata pretty nice 7.1 user rating on IMDb. The high profile additions ofReynolds and Stone (who was the one part critics praised) have drawninterest to the film which other wise would have probably been mostlyforgotten.In the film Daniels plays a psychologically troubled middle-aged writernamed Richard sent to a Long Island beach house for the winter by hisupset wife (Kudrow) to work on his writer's block. He meets a younggirl named Abby (Stone) whom he invites over to babysit, despite thefact that he has no children. She's not freaked out at all by this andagrees to do the job for him anyway. Impressed by the fact that he's awriter she cooks him some soup upon his return and the two strike up abizarre friendship. She's just as mentally troubled as he is and isstill suffering from the traumatic loss of a sibling, when she wasyoung, which she blames herself for. Reynolds plays Richard's imaginaryfriend Captain Excellent and has been with him since childhood. Themovie has somewhat of a twist, that at least I didn't see coming, inthe third act.It's an interesting and mildly touching little film. The performancesare all good, especially Stone (as the critics have pointed out) andDaniels like always. Reynolds is good as well but he seems underused.When you have an actor like him in a decent amount of your film youshould be able to come up with at least somewhat of a better way to usehim. Kudrow is also great like always and Culkin still shines as well.The movie is entertaining and well made to a certain extent but itfeels like it could have been more and ultimately it's just not thatmemorable. Not a bad film but not one I'll probably ever want to seeagain.Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqvCRlRn7qY

2012-05-08 22:33:34

Nothing to the plot, but everything to the characters. Fans of Reynolds or Daniels will enjoy by this odd, moody, quirky film.

A motley cast and an awkward tone set an unsure-footed pace for this film...but I think I like it.Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Daniels have an interesting dynamic. Daniels plays a quirky writer that smacks of some of his previous roles, less mentally challenged than in Dumb and Dumber and a more insecure and jumpy than in Arachnophobia. He has writer's block and problems with his wife, making him "every writer ever depicted in a movie." The writers likewise cater to Reynolds' stylish character roots. Of course, Reynolds often seems to play the same character whether he's killing vampires in Blade Trinity, scamming on girls in Buying the Cow, or testing his quippy limits when he got started on Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place (sitcom). In this case, he's a quippy, dashing superhero with crime-fighting muscles produced by Daniels' character's subconscious. The banter between the two makes for excellent synergy.As I fail to find the point of this film, I enjoy some delightfully awkward scenes. For example, Daniels' fumbling attempt to catch a fish for dinner, his personal bouts with a hideous couch, and some disturbing outdoor feng shui.But really, what's the meaning of all this? Perhaps, that friendships may form unexpectedly. Daniels and Emma Stone (Easy A, Crazy Stupid Love), playing his babysitter even though he doesn't have a child, develop an endearing chemistry. Their characters seem to help each other mature past their irrational reservations. She makes him soup and he makes her feel better about her unhealthy, late-teen relationship.There was ultimately nothing to the plot, but everything to the characters. The writing was impressive, clever, funny, and tamely off-the-wall. Fans of any of the featured actors should be pleased by this odd, moody, depressed-with-a-smile film.

Ziglet_mir 2012-05-05 21:47:17

Sentimentally Compelling

I saw "Paper Man" recently in the favor of seeing Jeff Daniels act in anewer movie. And it is a job well done.This is fantastic indie movie and a strong directorial/writing debutfor Kieran and Michele Mulroney. The casting is interesting and diverseadding in the likes of Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Kieran Culkin(who may I add surprised me very much). Each actor turns in their roleswell for what they're meant to be. And I must say the film exploresmany intriguing concepts of one's mind, suggesting also how two peoplecan be so different in age and still relate to how the other isfeeling. It is heartfelt and very sentimental. The friendship betweenDaniels and Stone is sweet and quite emotionally driven. The roles ofReynolds and Culkin add another level to the movie's superioritybecause they change the film from being "your everyday drama amongfriends and family" to a individualistic adventure for one's identityin the cruel place that is the world.**A twist toward the end made me give this movie another bonus. It wasunpredictable (at least for me) and allowed everything to tie together.It's definitely above average and a movie I plan on watching many moretimes in the future. Plus, Jeff Daniels always hands in a great act.

Frank Swietek 2012-05-05 12:30:01

A flimsy character study...as ephemeral and forgettable as a sheet of paper carried off by a gust of wind.

Eric Hynes 2012-05-05 06:06:53

Husband-and-wife writer-directors Keiran and Michele Mulroney try to smooth over implausibilities with an intrusive emo soundtrack and "dramedic" feints, but the effort is useless.

Stephen Holden 2012-05-04 18:11:52

An intelligent, meticulously constructed, well-acted movie that has been written to death.

2012-05-01 11:27:05

Parchment Dude

This review is from: Paper Man (Amazon Instant Video) I would say it is about time that I wrote about this gem of a film. Directed by first-timer Kieran Mulroney, he puts together an awesome character study of a lopsided marriage and confused friendship that leads to a great view.Jeff Daniels (Richard Dunn) is a married novelist with a case of writer's block. His surgeon wife (Lisa Kudrow, as he calls her "the doctor") takes him away to a small house in a little town to propel his writing and leaves him there.He brings along an unusual side-kick which is his imaginary friend, "Captain Excellent" (Ryan Reynolds, who will have you in stitches). These 'two' have been cohorts since grammar school, and Richard calls upon him in all types of situations, or he just may show up on his own?While drudging on in trying to write, Richard decides to take a bike ride to clear his head. He pulls a child sized bicycle from the garage and cruises quite oddly into town. This is where we meet the amazing Emma Stone in her break-out performance as "Abby".She's a loner, in need of a friend while Richard is of the same mind. He decides to hire her for a 'babysitter' for no apparent reason and she comes to his home that evening while he leaves. She realizes that there is no baby present and goes along with all of Richard's various oddities that 'the doctor' never can understand.They soon develop a lovely friendship based in loneliness at first, then find solace and comfort in talking with each other. Spending time together and learning quickly how alike they truly are they establish a rapid rapport. Both poorly misunderstood, and extremely creative.Richard becomes so engrossed in Abby's life, a bit too much, and decides to absentmindedly throw a high school party for Abby and friends. The scenes here are risque for some, I would think, for some... not. This would be up to your judgement of an older man and a high schooler. The two end up talking all night and falling asleep.There are no lines crossed although some may find it pushing the limit as 'the doctor' does, as she brings a couple of friends to the cabin to discover Richard and Abby asleep together on the couch. This is a very disturbing sight for a wife to walk into, Captain Excellent must once again save the day for Richard.Anytime "the captain" shows up, it is sheer brilliance by Reynolds as his sarcastic comedy steals every scene he is in. Buffed up and dressed as the super hero he portrays, he delivers everytime.This rarity of a film poses several questions: Who is this mysterious friend of Abby's? How long will "Captain Excellent" keep saving Richard from his problems? Will Richard ever get to his novel? And finally, will "the doctor" ever accept her husband for who he is?I seriously hope that this film gains an audience. Emma Stone is now a 'Hollywood darling' and as I stated above this story really brought her into focus. The film richly blends together drama, comedy, tragedy, craziness, and a few tears. All leading to a final ending in heartfelt movie viewing.

googoogjoob3 2012-04-30 18:09:36

Stone shines in good small film

Jeff Daniels' again plays a famous writer who is struggling forinspiration(Richard), much like his praised performance in The Squidand The Whale. This time, his wife is Lisa Kudrow(Claire) along with animaginary superhero friend in Ryan Reynolds, dubbed Captain Excellent.To overcome his writers block, the three move to a small country town.Soon Richard meets 17 year old Abby(Emma Stone) and their relationshipslowly develops.Unfortunately Daniels' performance doesn't live up to The Squid and TheWhale, as his his hopeless and lonely persona seems over the top andcaricature-ish. Reynolds is solid but you can't help but feel he isunderused. If you have an imaginary superhero friend to an aging male,you need to at least develop it. Kudrow seems like an odd castingchoice, but provides good comic relief. In fact, the cast as a whole isquite an odd arrangement. However, without a doubt, Emma Stone is thehighlight here. She plays a extremely likable but damaged girl tofantastic effect and makes the best dramatic scenes of the film.There are a lot of relationships that intertwine in this film, but itthey never become difficult to follow or too underdeveloped. KieranCulkin's(Christopher) obsessive relationship is a great example of thisand Culkin puts in another good performance to show that the familydoes have some talent in it.Finally, it looks great. The cinematography and direction is superb fora debut effort from Kieran Mulhoney and he is certainly one film-makerto look out for in the future.Overall, there are some flaws in this movie, but its strengths make ita good watch for a film no doubt made on a small budget. It isdefinitely a drama but when comedy is introduced, it generally hits themark.

Amy Nicholson 2012-04-30 07:28:07

Jeff Daniels' issues are self-indulgent. But to him, his writer's block and insubstantial life are epic, and the film sides with him more often than not.

Ian Buckwalter 2012-04-29 22:33:53

Aided by subtly wounded performances by Daniels and Stone, and a surprisingly affecting comic turn from Reynolds, Paper Man makes up for many of its shortcomings with an abundance of heart.

2012-04-28 15:08:39

Emma Stone is amazing!

This review is from: Paper Man (DVD) This is the first drama that I've seen Emma Stone in. She is such a brilliant actress! I loved this movie! It's a shame it didn't have a wide release in the theaters. I laughed and cried through this movie, what a treasure!

2012-04-27 21:04:24

Wonderful Movie!

I saw this movie at its premiere at the LA Film Festival and I loved it! It is quirky-funny, poignant and melancholy by turns -- exactly what I want in a film for grownups. The performances are stellar and the story highly original.

Lou Lumenick 2012-04-24 17:50:00

Paper Man is far from perfect, but it holds your interest as a character study because of strong performances by Daniels and Stone.

2012-04-24 08:27:17

Emma Stone is Great

Emma Stone makes it work, and when you add Daniels and Kudrow, you have a good cast.I enjoyed it. It was worth buying.

thesar-2 2012-04-24 14:14:36

Lost in Juno

Lost in Juno What tries hard to be Lost in Translation and Juno with asplash of Youth in Revolt and Wonder Boys, Paper Man still manages tosucceed on the shoulders of the two stars: Jeff Daniels and Emma Stone.Sure, the story was very well written – though it takes a bit to getoff the ground, but if not for both the main stars, it would've justbeen a poser of previous independent coming-of-age films.Writer-Blocked Richard Dunn (Daniels) – wait, is there any other kindin films? – moves to an upstate New York small town to finish anothernovel. His wife, Claire (Independent Queen Kudrow) stays in the citywhile her husband works alone…well sort of. He brought his (from 2ndgrade) imaginary friend, Captain Excellent (Super-Hero King Reynolds.)Afraid to drive, well a lot more, he rides a tiny bike to town to whichhe encounters hundreds-of-years younger and "free-spirited" (anddefinitely clichéd at first) Abby (Stone) who he convinces to babysitfor the child he doesn't have.This is where Lost in Translation fits in, relatively speaking. Willthere be a romance between these May-December folks? Will his wife bejealous of someone who wasn't even around when Friends was on NBC? Andwill her best bud, Christopher (played wonderfully by Scott Pilgrim VsThe World's Culkin) object since he loves her? It's a middle-aged,coming-of-age tale that's quite a simple and beautifully shot movie. Ididn't find myself rolling in laughter, but a lot of it was cute andfunny, such as the party Richard hosts. Stone was excellent, and I lookforward to her turn as Mary Jane in the (unfortunately, unnecessary)Spider-Man reboot, if that comes to light.Despite the movie's predictable "twist" and the inevitable outcome –God, I wish they'd shock me once in a while with these low budget indiefilms – the only other downfall was on how hard they tried to be likeall other "smart comedies." That said, this is wholeheartedlyrecommended because beyond its shortcomings, it a very touching andsometimes funny and intelligent.I'm sad to see it didn't do a dime at the box-office. This deserves achance to be seen by many people, especially fans of the abovementioned movies. When this does come to video, you really should putit at the top of your queue.

Robert Abele 2012-04-24 04:37:48

The quirk-laden indie Paper Man brings together a novelist who won't grow up with a sullen teenage girl for mutual wallowing, eccentric high jinks and life lessons but, unfortunately, little reason to care.