The Paperboy

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. (01/06/2013)

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. (04/11/2014)

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%. (04/10/2015)

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. (07/24/2014)

The first plan was to choose the right actors. Zac Efron appeals to younger ladies, Matthew McConaughey to older ones, although it can be the other way around. Nicole Kidman is pleasing to the eye in this film and she is wild. And alongside them, the somewhat odd servant Macy Gray joins in; she is absolutely great in the role of the "black slave". And of course, a repulsive villain cannot be absent, one that you won't like for even a moment, played by a slightly different John Cusack. Each actor here is a perfect calculation at first sight. The handsome guy is given the lead role, although he can't act that well, and the handsome guy who has already shown us that he can act is pushed into the background. Unfortunately, the role that Matthew McConaughey accepted is somewhat similar to the one he played in the film "Killer Joe". He's not such a dimwit, but the way he speaks, his diction, and his behavior at times, well, it's quite similar. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/02/reporter-2012-35.html (03/21/2013)