The Paperboy

I'm particularly fond of these Southern perversions. I didn't believe Nicole hadn't overdone it, but if the mad aesthetic of the American South in the late 60s was anything to go by, then she was a properly believable protagonist. She's never worn so much plastic crap and non-breathable fabrics in her life, and the entire ensemble has never sweated as much as they do here. It’s perverted, funny, and very good. (24/07/2014)

I haven’t seen a weirder movie in a long time. But I also haven’t seen such a retro movie in a long time. And when you combine this, it creates this weird half-breed of a movie that I just didn’t understand. There’s a scene where Kidman almost climaxes and Cusack actually does climax. Then there’s a scene where Efron gets his ass kicked by a jellyfish and Nicole Kidman therefore pisses on his wounds. There’s also a scene where Matt gets so beaten up by some gays that he never really gets over it. But it was on purpose – he’s gay. All of that is wrapped up in a strange future retro style that indulges in an even weirder atmosphere. However, despite the strange story, the atmosphere keeps on building up throughout the movie and thanks to the ending, it deserves the final three stars. By the way, the ending is really a job well done. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this movie one star otherwise. (12/04/2014)

The first plan was to choose the right actors. Zac Efron will appeal to younger ladies, while Matthew McConaughey will attract the older ones, although it could also be the other way around. Nicole Kidman is visually stunning in this film and has a wild side. Joining them is the not-so-subdued maid Macy Gray, who is absolutely fantastic in her role as a "black slave," and we can’t forget the nasty villain, who you won’t like at all, portrayed by John Cusack in a somewhat different role. Each actor here is a perfect calculation at first glance. The lead role goes to a handsome guy who isn’t that great at acting, while a good-looking actor who has already shown us his acting skills is somewhat sidelined. Unfortunately, the role Matthew McConaughey accepted is reminiscent of the one he played in Killer Joe. He’s not quite as crazy, but in terms of his dialogue, diction, and behavior, it feels very similar. (22/03/2013)

Mixed emotions. Half the characters are so over the top that they often straddle the border between gratuitous exhibitionism and parody, plus a weird genre mix of drama, romance and thriller, which in no respect worked on me as it should and could have. By the time Cusack grabs the axe in the end, it’s too late. Technically, though, made with panache. (06/01/2013)

The success of a film or series largely depends on the ability of its creators to evoke a sense of identification with their heroes and their actions. Even seemingly highly controversial characters are molded according to the same rules. Today's screenwriter has no problem giving even a serial killer cool qualities, humanizing him with humor, and since he is assigned to kill other much less agreeable villains and on the other hand helps the weaker, the viewer has no problem liking him. Such an approach fits perfectly with the story of Walter White from Breaking Bad. His psychological transformation from an exemplary citizen, caring father, and husband into a dangerous manipulator and cynical criminal was not understood by everyone. The Paperboy evokes negative reactions from many viewers after watching and receives hesitant comments from movie fans - more critical than one would expect from a film of these qualities. It is certainly not an exceptional film, even within its category, but it is an above-average genre film. Its most valuable aspect is precisely what repels so many viewers - the violation of genre conventions, unpleasant characters that provoke you, and whose actions anger you. The film does not strive for likability in any way and I appreciate that. This is also related to its ability to surprise. Daniels' thriller is not made according to a template and I consider that a significant plus. Overall impression: 75%. (10/04/2015)