Review of The Paperboy (2012) by Francis B — 20 Oct 2012

I really don't know how to rate this one, but since it's still on my mind a day later I have to give it at least 4 stars. We went to a later showing, but most of the audience was Old Geezers Who Go To The Matinee Alone only they came in groups which meant talking and inappropriate laughter. There is ample reason for that in this strange little flic.

It's mostly that small town southern violence and sex sort of thing which I don't really like, but this one has such a stellar cast it's hard to resist. Matthew McConaughey has made, or released, 5 indies in the past two years and I give him credit for going well past his handsome leading man image. In this one he is as far past that as he can get as a sexually perverted gay reporter, but professionally straight in that he wants to 'write the truth.' I've never seen any of Zac Efron's work before, but he was essentially the lead in this one. Of course Nicole Kidman is the center of any scene she is in. John Cusack is really good as the bad, bad guy. But Macy Gray is, for me, the glue that makes this work.

This is a story about murder and manipulation in the south during the 1960s. So there is a lot of racism and perversion, but somehow it kept me interested. Not an easy movie to watch, but worth your time and money if you get a chance.