Paper Man stars Jeff Daniels as Richard Dunn, a writer who has lost his way in more ways than just the ones that end up on the page. Left by his wife (Lisa Kudrow) at a small house in Montauk, New York, Richard hopes to get his life together and find purpose enough to finish his next novel.
Richard is not alone though, ever his companion is his imaginary friend “Captain Excellent” (Ryan Reynolds), a Superman-esque hero that has accompanied him and helped him solve his major life calamities since childhood. During this time, he befriends a local teenager Abby (Emma Stone), a girl who faces challenges similar to Richard's.
Jeff Daniels is remarkable and much like his work in The Squid and the Whale, watching Paper Man provides a bit of a mini-revelation as to just how effecting an actor he his. It is not just his delivery, his expressions and mannerisms perfectly capture the childish psyche that still dominates most of who the character of Richard is.
Paper Man would definitely be best characterized as a film about a “mid-life crisis” and of finding oneself. However, while the theme represents a relatively broad genre of film (particularly within the realm of independent film), where Paper Man differentiates itself from films like Sideways or Lost in Translation is that much of the conflict occurs within Richard’s own mind. Thus the film relies less on outlandish situations and set pieces, and more on Daniels and Reynolds. As previously stated, Daniels is great, but Reynolds is equally as entertaining in the supporting role of Captain Excellent.
As the mildly unhinged superhero, Reynolds fully embraces the opportunity to play a ridiculous character in tights, a bit ironic now given his penchant for taking on roles in super hero movies (Deadpool in Wolverine, and The Green Lantern in an upcoming film). Having an imaginary character around helps to solve the problem of how Daniels would otherwise emote his internal struggle. While he certainly seems to be the type of actor that would be up for the task, using Captain Excellent as a plot device creates an opportunity for more entertainment rather than the film degenerating into a film school study aid.
Paper Man does not solely rely on the two facets of Richard to find success. While the story is indeed based on a conventional idea, an aging character trying to find himself befriends a younger member of the opposite sex who seems a kindred spirit to him (Hello, Lost in Translation), the players and writing keep the movie from falling into also ran territory. Stone provides an excellent foil for Daniels and is irresistibly adorable as Abbey (particularly when wearing that winter hat). A rising starlet who has shown her ability with comedy in her previous roles like Superbad, Zombieland, and Easy A, here we see that there’s more to her range than just delivering sarcastic one liners.
Be on the lookout for an appearance by Kieran Culkin (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World) as Christopher, Abbey’s friend. Though you may be able to identify who and what his character is early on, odds are you won’t be able to predict where his journey ends up. It is those kinds of little twists and curves that elevates Paper Man to "must see" status.
A sweet, poignant portrayal of what happens when we lose our way or find ourselves looking back on life and finding nothing but wanting, Paper Man only occasionally drifts into the state of melodrama that is to be expected of this kind of tale. Director/writers Kieran and Michele Mulroney did an excellent job of playing up the best aspects of this type of independent film, without drifting into the same tired dead ends.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
Paper Man has limited extras. There are a collection of deleted scenes, presented as a single montage, so you can’t actually watch them individually. Nothing special seems to have been omitted and in some instances, the deleted scenes were merely slightly altered versions of scenes that do appear in the film. A short “Making of” is also included that features interviews with the principle cast members and the directors, talking about the movie, independent film in general, and the process of getting Paper Man made which was a near five-year odyssey.
"Paper Man" is on sale January 18, 2011 and is rated R. Comedy, Drama, Indie. Directed by Kiernan Mulroney, Kim Manners, Michele Mulroney. Written by Kieran Mulroney, Michele Mulroney. Starring Emma Stone, Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds.
