Paper Man (2009)

Directed by: Kieran Mulroney, Michele Mulroney | 106 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Lisa Kudrow, Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Kieran Culkin, Hunter Parrish, Eric Gilliland, Louis Rosario, Arabella Field, Chris Parnell, Brian Russell, Jill Shackner, Violet O’Neill, Michael Heintzman

It is a separate path that actor Jeff Daniels has already taken in the film world. He was the sidekick of Keanu Reeves in the exciting blockbuster ‘Speed’. Daniels then let himself be fooled with the rimram of ‘Dumb & Dumber’. By the way, it’s not just the big Hollywood projects in which the man shows up. His performance in ‘The Squid and the Whale’ also appealed to indie movie buffs. The film ‘Paper Man’ dates back to 2009 and once again shows an actor who gives the best of himself in a small-scale drama.

Writers in the making should certainly not take an example from the protagonist of this story. Richard Dunn is struggling with a famous Writer’s Block. His wife dumps him in a remote house in the hope that her husband will rediscover his creativity. Dunn is a weirdo. He has his mannerisms and on top of that he talks like a small child with an imaginary friend. This buddy is a fallen superhero who goes by the name of Captain Excellent. The white sheets in Dunn’s typewriter illustrate his confusion. The author begins to question everything and walks around frustrated. When he meets teenage girl Abby, a strange friendship develops.

Between the pleasant cast, which also includes Lisa Kudrow and Emma Stone, there is one that really stands out. Ryan Reynolds is eccentric as Captain Excellent. He looks like the gay version of Superman and, as comic relief, forms a buffer against the depressing moments. This print cuts deep into the soul at times and does not leave you untouched. Fortunately, the mealiness is blocked by a portion of taunts that make everything bearable. Do not expect great insights, but an intelligent print that takes time for its characters. As a viewer, make a little effort and give ‘Paper Man’ a warm look. It’s deserved.