The Paperboy

Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack, David Oyelowo, Scott Glenn, Ned Bellamy, Macy Gray
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Rating: R
Genre: Thriller
2012

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A reporter (Matthew McConaughey) returns home to investigate a man (John Cusack) on death row, and the woman (Nicole Kidman) writing him letters, who believes he is innocent.

Review:

Tim: Lee Daniels' The Paperboy is a perfect example of why you have to watch movies until the very end (like most people do, but you have to keep your mind open and focused). This is actually a film that I enjoyed for most of its run time. It seemed like a dramatic, thrilling story with twists and turns, and unexpectedly interesting characters. I was enjoying the film, until the end, when the weight of the whole thing just crashes down upon itself. I suddenly saw the film for what it was, and I wasn't impressed. This is a film that has some very clear strengths, but is ultimately too much of a mess to be successful.

I really blame Lee Daniels for this film's result, and I believe much of it is due to his direction. They clearly have a good source material- I haven't read the novel, but this is a juicy, interesting story populated by fascinating characters. I loved the initial foray into this world- we have the innocent, titular paperboy, played by Zac Efron. His hero big brother, Matthew McConaughey, comes home with a coworker and friend, David Oyelowo, who is African-American, and faces racism around every turn. They are investigating an accused murderer, John Cusack, who they don't believe is guilty. Along the way, they are helped by Nicole Kidman, and unstable woman who Efron falls in love with, and has been writing love letters to Cusack in prison. This is a fascinating set up, and I loved learning about each of these characters. The first hour of the movie was very enjoyable, as we're learning about these complex characters and watching their intriguing interactions. It really felt like the whole film was building towards some unforgettable, incredible climax.

Unfortunately, this is where Daniels completely loses control of the film. The movie's conclusion is extremely weak and unsatisfying. Daniels handles these emotional, shocking moments in the most clumsy, ham-handed manner. We get resolutions, but they just seemed forced and unrealistic. I'm sure they are much more believable in the novel, but I just had such a hard time buying anything in the conclusion. When the movie ended, I had to rethink my entire view of the film, and I did not care for what I saw. This is a film that was good, until the end revealed all the flaws that had been building up underneath the surface.

I actually did like the cast quite a bit. Zac Efron is working hard to prove his doubters wrong, and I no longer cringe visibly when I see that he's in a film. Matthew McConaughey did a good job in an unexpected role, and I thought he showed bravery in bringing this complex character to life. I thought Nicole Kidman did a fantastic job, showing that she's still relevant and an actress to be reckoned with. I thought I liked David Oyelowo, but I didn't especially care for his performance here. Scott Glenn was horribly underused, and I actually really enjoyed Macy Gray. As a whole, the cast was actually very good.

I really thought that I would like this film. I'm a bit disappointed I did not. The film features a twisting plot, but Daniels doesn't keep the cart on the tracks. He doesn't do a good enough job of connecting us to the characters, so when the crazy, unexpected events happen, it feels a bit too incomprehensible. I got what was happening, but I didn't really believe it. I really do not understand what happened with this film, as it had so much going for it. By the end of the film, I was left with the question- "Why should I care?" That was a big, damning issue with this film. The Paperboy is a film that really should have worked, but inexplicably did not.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire