Review of The Paper (1994) by Timothy S — 14 Oct 2014

"The Paper" takes place in a time not so long ago before the Internet and 24 hour news channels were the norm in breaking news stories, and newspapers were still king. It's a fast-paced, funny and exciting mix of equal parts comedy and drama, and both fit together comfortably in this well-balanced film.

Ron Howard has turned into one of the most reliable directors working today, and I think the thing that I find the most refreshing about his career is that he rarely makes the same film twice. He's comfortable working in almost any genre, and this is yet another winner for him. It gives the uninitiated an unbeatable glimpse into the world of newspapers, even though I'm sure this is greatly exaggerated to up the entertainment value for the viewer.

The central story hooks you, and this wonderful ensemble cast sells it. The lead role is a perfect fit for Michael Keaton's unique brand of manic energy, and it's always a pleasure to see Robert Duvall work in almost anything. Screenwriters David and Stephen Koepp do a nice job of balancing all the different subplots to give us an idea of the stress faced by newspaper editors, but things get a little lost in the shuffle towards the end.

With the medical crisis and the unnecessary showdown between Randy Quaid and Jason Alexander, the film loses its focus. Thankfully, it happens so late in the film that it really doesn't affect it much. "The Paper" remains s small but pleasurable gem, an overlooked film that deserves a wider audience.