Tempo de Crescer

On the verge of separation from his wife and crippled by harrowing writer's block, Richard Dunn (Jeff Daniels) settles himself into a friend's summer cottage to work on his second novel. His only companion is Captain Excellent (Ryan Reynolds), a Superman-like superhero who exists only in Richard's mind. Solitude doesn't seem to do the trick, however, and he soon finds himself looking for ways to procrastinate. On a trip into town, he meets and befriends Abby (Emma Stone), a local teenager with a haunted past and only one real friend, a strange boy named Christopher (Kieran Culkin). The two become an unlikely pair and begin to spend more time with each other against the advice of both Captain Excellent and Christopher. Soon Richard is forced to question his life, his relationships, and his profession.

This is a difficult movie to sum up. In essence, "Paper Man" is all about relationships and human interaction, though that may seem difficult to comprehend given that one of the characters is a figment of another's imagination. And yet the interconnecting relationships of Richard and Excellent, Abby and Christopher, and Richard and Abby serve as an illustration of human needs and co-dependence. None of the main characters are complete persons and as such, each needs the other. Directors Kieran and Michele Mulroney give us carefully crafted, well-honed characters that rarely stray from their tendencies as they grow together and therefore, apart. Likewise, all of the leads give outstanding performances and fit their roles perfectly. Daniels and Stone display a natural chemistry that embraces the oddness of their relationship. For perhaps the first time ever, Richard and Abby are allowed to be themselves in each other's company and that comes through beautifully. Stone, in particular, is perhaps more vulnerable and authentic here than in any other movie she's been a part of. Only Lisa Kudrow feels out of place as Richard's overachieving wife, a one-dimensional character who at times fits a tired cliché than she does embrace real humanity. That's more than a bit of a disappointment given than none of the other characters or their interactions stray into the cliché abyss. "Paper Man" is quirky and original with dark overtones that give it depth and edge and a tremendous collection of talent that doesn't go to waste. Quite frankly, I loved this movie and found myself drawn to it with more intensity than just about any film I've seen recently.

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The first time I played this movie I fell asleep right after it started and almost didn't replay it the next day because what little I remember of it wasn't too impressive. I would have missed one of the better movies I've seen in some time.

Like a lot of indie films it wasn't cookie cutter Hollywood but also unlike a lot of indie films it had some real acting talent. I had seen Emma Stone in Easy A for the first time and enjoyed her in that role but didn't see any exceptional talent so I was really amazed at the performance she gave in this movie as it was a much deeper and complicated role. You don't realize how good she is until you've seen the whole film and finally understand the undercurrent that has been present throughout. Jeff Daniels is a veteran actor and it was hard to tell at first if he was filling his role but as the film progresses you realize that Richard is a flawed man and has been for a very long time and it has reached a point where it can't continue and Daniels was Richard. The three remaining characters were really only set dressing but they were instrumental in helping flesh out who Richard and Abby really were.

Richard, a 40ish writer who has what appears to be writers block meets 17 year old Abby, a not too typical teen. There is an almost instant mutual attraction that develops into a unique friendship that is decidedly not sexual.How this friendship develops and how it affects the rest of the characters is what made this movie so enjoyable. See for yourself. Daniels and Stone were excellent together.

This film does require a little effort. There are no throw away scenes so if you don't stay with it and pay attention you will have wasted the effort that the writers and actors put into it and probably won't appreciate it. If you have a short attention span or are hooked on Hollywood then don't bother with this one.

I saw "Paper Man" recently in the favor of seeing Jeff Daniels act in a newer movie. And it is a job well done.

This is fantastic indie movie and a strong directorial/writing debut for Kieran and Michele Mulroney. The casting is interesting and diverse adding in the likes of Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Kieran Culkin (who may I add surprised me very much). Each actor turns in their roles well for what they're meant to be. And I must say the film explores many intriguing concepts of one's mind, suggesting also how two people can be so different in age and still relate to how the other is feeling. It is heartfelt and very sentimental. The friendship between Daniels and Stone is sweet and quite emotionally driven. The roles of Reynolds and Culkin add another level to the movie's superiority because they change the film from being "your everyday drama among friends and family" to a individualistic adventure for one's identity in the cruel place that is the world.

**A twist toward the end made me give this movie another bonus. It was unpredictable (at least for me) and allowed everything to tie together.

It's definitely above average and a movie I plan on watching many more times in the future. Plus, Jeff Daniels always hands in a great act.

Alright, well I sat down to watch this movie without having a single clue as to what it was all about. I hadn't read anything about it, heard anything about it, or even googled it. I just sat down and watched it. I had expected it to be in the comedy corner, but it sort of isn't a comedy at all. Nor would I say it is a classic drama, but more of a movie about growing as people and coming to terms with whom and what you are.

The story in "Paper Man" is very warm, heartfelt and straight forward. It moves forward in a good pace, and you are never left bored throughout the course of the movie. Now, the movie is obviously kept afloat by the superb acting performances of Jeff Daniels and Emma Stone. I think this is one of the best roles I have ever had the pleasure of seeing Jeff Daniels in. Not saying that his previous work is bad, just that this is outstanding. And Emma Stone worked so well opposite Daniels in her role, despite being that much younger than Daniels.

The role of Ryan Reynolds, well it was essential to the movie, although I think it would have worked better with an unknown actor for that role. But still, Reynolds is not a bad actor, but he didn't really shine through in this role, at least not for me. Lisa Kudrow performed adequately as well, although it did seem like her character didn't come off as strong on the screen as it was intended.

You might think a movie like this would be for a female audience, but I found it to be very nice, as a guy. The story is captivating and the performances are good. The story is not at any point too sassy, and at the end of the movie, you come to appreciate the movie for what it is. A unique piece of cinema about how people grow.

This is definitely not a movie you should let pass you by. Do yourself the favor and sit down to watch it (with or without your significant other). This is a very, very nice movie.

This is not the kind of movie I would generally watch or review, but! I must say I really enjoyed it. The message is simple but powerful. The characters are easy to relate to and the moral is quite subtle but important.

Paper Man tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between a middle age author (Jeff Daniels) and a teen aged girl (Emma Stone). Although this friendship is misunderstood by the people surrounding their lives, it asks questions about the meaning and importance of friendship. The use of the imaginary friends helps the viewer to understand the conflict going on in both these peoples lives. And in doing so adds a comical and interesting dynamic to the story.

Performances are strong with both Daniels and Stone. I've always thought that Jeff Daniels was an underrated actor and am hoping that one day he will get his break. I don't think this movie is it, but he is getting closer. Ryan Reynolds is great as Captain Excellent and Kieran Culkin is also very good in the part.

I would highly recommend this film, especially if you have a good friend to watch it with. And if your prone to a bit of a cry during movies, then grab a box of tissues before viewing. Its a very sweet movie. "sniff, sniff."