 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Paper Heart
- Review Date: August 6, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Quirky semi-documentary about love is cute for teens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this semi-scripted, semi-documentary-style movie co-starring Juno's Michael Cera focuses on a young actress' search for the meaning of love. There's not much sexuality, since the focus is on romantic love, but there are a couple of scenes in which couples hold hands and kiss (sweetly, not passionately). For a PG-13 movie, there's not much language other than the occasional "s--t" and "bastard." The movie's message is ultimately positive: Love is out there, but it takes personal and emotional risk/commitment to find and feel it.
What's the story?
Young comedic actress/performance artist Charlyne Yi (best known as Martin Starr's zoned-out girlfriend in Knocked Up) sets out on the ultimate adventure: to find out whether love truly exists. Skeptical of the concept of love, Yi; her director, Nick (played by actor Jake M. Johnson); and a tiny film crew embark on a cross-country journey to interview professors, novelists, divorcees, and couples -- all to determine the mechanics of love. Along the way, she gets to know the smitten, amazingly earnest Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) and starts longing to be around him. But is it love?
Is it any good?
Yi is a refreshingly tomboyish Everygirl. Her incredibly expressive face lets you know exactly how she feels with every bulge of her eyes, downturn of her mouth, or lift of her eyebrows. Her skepticism about love makes the scenes with the geeky-but-adorable Cera sweetly predictable (the girl who doesn't believe in love discovers it on film for the very first time!), until she admits in front of him and her crew that she basically doesn't love him. Later, when she realizes how much she misses him, she begins to second-guess herself, which is, for a movie, pretty predictable.
The best part of PAPER HEART (a "hybrid" of documentary footage and scripted filmmaking) isn't the When Harry Met Sally-style interviews with couples, but enchanting little cardboard puppet shows used to depict the various love stories told in those interviews. Each interlude is magical, despite (or perhaps because of) the crude materials that look straight out of a preschool craft closet: aluminum foil, yarn, cardboard, and toy vehicles. Ingeniously crafted, the mixed-media, mixed-form film is charming and uplifting -- a welcome change from all the crass cynicism that's usually on display at the multiplex.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about adolescent and adult relationships, especially in light of the one couple who got married at 17. Do you think there are any rules about what makes a successful relationship?
Do you think this movie fits into the documentary genre, or should it be considered a comedy? Is it disappointing to know that the "director" in the movie was played by an actor?
What did you think of the puppet segments? How did they work (or not) with the rest of the movie?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Documentary about love in all different forms makes a good watch.
Charlyne doesn't believe in love, but she wants to see what others think of it. She sets out with her friend on a journey all around and interviews a variety of people; including old, young (little kids on a playground, which is where the Chris Brown references come in), gay, straight, etc. Then she is introduced to Michael Cera. Ever his funny and somewhat awkward self, he and Charlyne form a relationship that is also somewhat awkward. I enjoyed this... I would say more documentary than movie. I don't know if it was enough that I would wanna go out and buy it, but still eye-opening and inspirational.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It is SO cute! It teachs everyone who watchs it that love and happy marragie can be achived but it takes work and you can't just give up the second things turn bad. I think this is important in a world with so much hate.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I clicked role models aren't good for the scene in the bar with the biker when he was talking about treating his wife like ****. I think he had a little too much too drink. I wouldn't say this is appropriate for all 10 year olds. My daughter can't handle scary that the average 10 year old can handle but can handle that not everything you see in the world do you do yourself.
Very cute story line. The message of what love is and the importance of forgiveness shines through.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Overture Films |
| Director: | Nicholas Jasenovec |
| Cast: | Charlyne Yi, Jake M. Johnson, Michael Cera |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 7, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | December 1, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some language |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
