PAPER MAN
A heartfelt, uneven character drama for discerning adults.
Should You Watch It?
PAPER MAN has a real heart. Its awkward friendship between a failed author and a rebellious teenager gradually becomes a source of honest compassion. The film also shows a struggling marriage, two troubled people learning to face their inner torments, and performances that are heartfelt and sometimes engaging.
But the movie costs more than its charm should require. Its language is pervasive, its drinking frequent, and its content includes an alcohol-saturated bar scene, a teenage keg party, violence, depicted sex, and disturbing suicide-related material. Its pagan worldview is mixed with one positive reference to Jesus.
If you are an adult who can weigh those elements carefully, PAPER MAN has enough human warmth and craft to merit a viewing. For a family movie night, choose something else.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESRichard, a failed author, arrives in a small Long Island town to work on his second novel. There he meets Abby, an independent and rebellious teenager, and the two form an awkward, platonic friendship.
Richard’s wife, Claire, tries to support him as their marriage strains. Meanwhile, Richard is accompanied by Captain Excellent, an imaginary superhero, while Abby has an imaginary friend of her own. Their unusual friendship helps both of them face their inner struggles.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means PAPER MAN is worthwhile but uneven. The film is well paced, and its cinematography effectively captures the moody feel of its mentally troubled characters. The performances are heartfelt and sometimes engaging, with Ryan Reynolds giving a suitably over-the-top performance as Captain Excellent.
The script and direction do not consistently match those strengths. Still, the film draws viewers into its idiosyncratic world and conveys two characters growing through their challenges. Its touching and humorous moments suggest a more charming, intentionally moving film than the finished work fully achieves.
The Worldview
PAPER MAN has a firm base in a pagan worldview, though it includes one positive reference to Jesus saving all of humanity. The film also stresses the importance of relationships and presents honest compassion as a means of helping troubled people cope with their inner torments.
That emphasis on honest relationships is a genuine strength. The film’s moral vision is mixed, however, because its pagan elements sit alongside its more positive ideas about compassion, growth, and human wholeness. Its characters are encouraged to move past their weaknesses, but the story does not ground that hope clearly in God.
The film’s longing for healing through caring relationships points toward a truth Scripture also recognizes: “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). Yet Christian hope reaches beyond human friendship to the saving work of Jesus.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong Romantic worldview with elements of a pagan lifestyle mixed with moral story stressing the importance of relationships and one positive reference to Jesus; at least 54 obscenities (much of it by teenagers), five profanities, character gives “the finger” to another; man hits another man, girl hits man with book, character has hanged himself in fantasy vision; depicted sex scene between teenagers; no nudity; drinking by teenagers, drunkenness, and adult provides beer for teenagers; smoking, reference to marijuana by teenager; and, suicide pact by children.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Richard and Abby form an unusual friendship that helps them face their troubles. What makes a relationship honest, compassionate, and safe?
Proverbs 17:17 · Galatians 6:2The film presents human relationships as a way to grow past weakness. Where can friendship help us, and where do we need God’s help?
Psalm 46:1 · John 15:13The story includes a positive reference to Jesus saving humanity. What does Scripture say Jesus came to save us from?
John 3:16 · 1 Timothy 1:15The film includes a suicide pact by children. How should Christians respond when someone feels hopeless or talks about self-harm?
Psalm 34:18 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
PAPER MAN is a heartfelt, well-paced character drama with engaging performances and an uneven script. Its pervasive language, alcohol use, depicted sex, mixed worldview, and disturbing material make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For other family options, see.
