Posted: 02/16/2011
 

Paper Man

(2009)

by Shannon Huebscher



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A fantastically quirky little comedy, Paper Man follows the story of a frustrated author named Richard Dunn (portrayed by Jeff Daniels) and the surprising friendship he develops with a local teenager known as Abby (portrayed by Emma Stone). Richard is suffering not only from major writer’s block, his marriage is falling apart, and he still has an imaginary friend. This imaginary friend, known as Captain Excellent and played perfectly by Ryan Reynolds, is a blend of a super hero and Dunn’s alter ego. Abby is also suffering from some trauma from earlier in her life, bringing her and Richard together in an odd yet perfect pairing. The line of what is appropriate for a middle-aged man and a teenaged girl is somehow greyed, where their connection makes sense. The supporting cast also shines, including Lisa Kudrow, Kieran Culkin and Hunter Parrish. Paper Man manages to take heavy subjects and inject some humor and vitality into them, making the film a pleasure to watch.

Shannon Huebscher is a freelance writer living in Minneapolis.



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