Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this film contains a lot of violence including two frightening car crashes, a shooting, an attempted rape, and a brutal fistfight. A woman is drugged, raped, and blackmailed with a videotape depicting these events. Characters use strong language and drink. This vindictive film is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 15.
Families who watch this film will want to discuss Bo's reaction to the paparazzi's harassment. Are Bo's acts of violence at the end of the film justified? Does murder have consequences beyond capture and punishment? Parents could also discuss with teens more peaceful means of dealing with provocation.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Will Fertman
PAPARAZZI is a dull but violent film that will bore parents and teenagers alike. The movie opens with the premiere of Bo Laramie's (Cole Hauser) breakout blockbuster action film, Adrenaline Force. Behind the flashbulbs lurks a quartet of evil photographers, led by mastermind Rex Harper (Tom Sizemore), who are willing to stop at nothing to "get the shot." They stake out his house and follow him about town. When Rex takes photos of Bo's kid at soccer practice, he snaps. Bo punches Rex, and ends up convicted for assault. When Bo refuses to apologize, Rex swears to ruin his life and does so, by causing a car accident that nearly kills Bo and his family. Bo vows revenge on all of them with deadly consequences.
PAPPARZZI is a weak revenge fantasy, dressed up like a morality play. Not a single character is drawn with more than a single brush stroke. The paparazzi are portrayed as psychopathically entitled scopophiles, Bo is a simple guy pushed too far and the police are all either clueless or complicit in murder. If you are looking for a satisfying modern thriller to watch with older teens, try Fargo or Red Rock West. Classics like Rear Window and The Conversation are also great suspense movies that deal with voyeurism.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentRape. |
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ViolenceCar crashes, a shooting, an attempted rape, and brutal fistfights. |
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LanguageStrong language. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrinking. |
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