Paper Man Directed by: Kieran Mulroney Starring: Jeff Daniels, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds Rating: R Release Date: April 23, 2010 (Limited)
TRAILER SCORE: 6/10
MY THOUGHTS: Trailers aren’t always the best indication of a film’s merit. Usually they just highlight its marketability. That’s what I’m hoping is the case on this one. Judging from the trailer, the film seems a little unfocused on its protagonist, which can be a real problem. Is he just immature? Or is he mentally ill? Because, and it may sound harsh, Daniels has the makings of a crazy man in this one. And I’m just going to throw this out there, Ryan Reynolds, I don’t care how hot you are, the bleach blond look is not working for you. The trailer’s full of minor distractions, but the emotional sincerity of it seems to be there in full force. I’m always a sucker for sort of weepy coming-of-age dramas (like Jeff Daniels work in Imaginary Heroes) and this one’s no different. While it’s not immediately on my to-do list, I’m sure I’ll get around to it if for no other reason than Emma Stone. She always seems to be cast as the best part of bad movies. Just one example is The House Bunny. Come on Emma, we know you can do better! We saw it in last year’s Zombieland. But to see her in a dramatic role would be something else entirely and I for one am excited. Not overjoyed or anything, but I’ll definitely check it out.