Paper Champions

The cinematography in this film is simplistic yet beautiful. The colour grade is soft and unique. It's the perfect time for a movie like this to be released to the public with everything that's happening in the world; a nice feel good, pick me up film. The larger characters in the film like Wade, Terry and Joe are balanced out by the more normalised characterisations of Rey and his love interest Holly. That being said Wade's comedic characteristics shine through the film. And Holly isn't just any simple love interest, and is played perfectly. Luke Saliba does a great job at bringing such an awkward, timid and meek character to the screen. It's a true joy to see Geelong on the big screen.

When Rey was a kid, he always had dreams of taking on the world as a professional wrestler. But in the present day, Rey (Luke Saliba) has ended up on a very different path. Rey works behind a desk selling photocopy machines along selling general stationery supplies to locals. Rey also works with his long-time best friend, Wade (John Tui), who is always quite encouraging towards Rey.

But in life Rey seems deflated and defeated. Even his best friend claims that Rey has lost his Mana. Supposing you are not familiar with the term, according to Google, Mana is the spiritual life force energy or healing power that permeates the universe in the culture of the Melanesians and Polynesians.

With Rey feeling down and lacking Mana, his friends and even his family are now all trying to help. They help by getting Rey to participate in several activities such as playing football, giving tips on how to dance and even offering advice on how to act around the ladies. One of these activities leads Rey to meet a young nurse who he wishes to pursue a new friendship with. Rey eventually questions his long-life dreams of becoming a wrestler.

Paper Champions is a feel-good comedy, and to my surprise, this film is also filled with heartfelt moments as Rey begins to rediscover himself as a grown man. The film is family-friendly, and I enjoyed how the film was able to be fun, random, witty and deliver well-timed jokes to the screen. Rey, as a character, is mainly quiet and shy, but his family and friends around him are certainly outgoing and full of energy which is perfect for Rey's current situation in life.

As a plot, I found myself quite engaged with the story and perhaps maybe even found it relatable. At no point did I find this film dull or uninteresting, and I was invested in seeing how Rey's life would turn out at the end of this film. Once I started the movie, I had to know how this film would end. It undoubtedly hooked me because of the plot and I watched this film with a smile.

Overall, this film truly surprised me. It is a heartfelt comedy about a man who has lost his way in life but has the determination to rediscover himself. The humour here is family-friendly, and I appreciated this type of witty humour. It did not take long for me to feel invested in this film based on the film's plot and characters, but also because I found the film to be fun and brainless. It's a solid Australian film and I wish we had more films like it!

6.8/10 - Walkden Entertainment

Paper Champions is a feel good film that will have you smiling throughout. Loved seeing the different locations around Geelong, and the set design and costumes screamed 80's vibe. The pace of the movie isn't fast, but it moves smoothly with enough 'laugh-out-loud' moments to keep the viewer engaged. The story line is strong and easy to follow and is complimented by a cast of very quirky characters. Standout performances by Luke Saliba, Tessa De Josselin and Don Bridges. I came away from watching this movie feeling uplifted and happy. Highly recommended if you enjoy quirky Aussie movies.

Paper Champions is a great Aussie comedy with plenty of laughs and heart felt moments. It's a story of self discovery, and while it explores masculinity it never assigns value to any particular expression of it, leading to a feel good flick that has a deeper meaning.

Great performances from the big names like John Tui and Gary Sweet, along with awesome work by some new faces and lesser known actors.

Great to see regional Australia represented on the big screen, a great homegrown movie!

Good comedy, with a fun cast. I loved all the one liners! I'm from Geelong, so I also enjoyed seeing all the locations as well. The story reminded me of the power of community and how we need each other to be our best! Recommend watching!