Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Paperboy (2012)

Director: Lee Daniels
Writers:  Pete Dexter, Lee Daniels
Cast:       Zac Effron, Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, David Oyelowo

A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate. He brings the inmates' girlfriend (letter grilfriend) and an English reporter colleague with him and they are driven around by his 20 year old brother who was thrown out from his college.

In the film the death row inmate played brilliantly by John Cusack is described as white trash and the film can be described in the same way. It is sexually charged, violent and pulpy in a good way. The all star cast plays against their type in the swampy setting which reminded me of the Louisiana setting in 'True Detective'. All the characters are messed up in some ways. It is an early film in what is described lately as 'The McConaissance'. It reminded me of Springbreakers but the better talent on show makes it a more watchable film.

Rating: 3.5/5  

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