Paparazzi
By Will Fertman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Pointless and violent.
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Based on 3 parent reviews
I loved it because the main character has the same zodiac sign as me!!
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NO KIDS-NO NOBODY
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What's the Story?
PAPARAZZI 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 Bo's 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.
Is It Any Good?
Paparazzi is a weak revenge fantasy, dressed up like a morality play. It is a dull but violent film that will bore parents and teenagers alike. 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about 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.
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 3, 2004
- On DVD or streaming: September 9, 2004
- Cast: Cole Hauser, Daniel Baldwin, Robin Tunney
- Director: Paul Abascal
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: intense violent sequences, sexual content and language
- Last updated: January 1, 2023
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