‘Paper Heart’ Full of Soul: A Review
Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I watched a movie with a smile on my face from start to finish. Paper Heart is a unique little film with tremendous soul and spirit.
Shot in pseudo documentary style, Paper Heart is a genuine exploration of what love means to average Americans and a handful of actors/comedians. Co-writer and star Charlyne Yi, whom many are familiar with from her role as the stoner girl in Knocked Up, has a very refreshing perspective and onscreen presence. The film effortlessly captures and exposes Yi’s quirky personality, but it is endearing rather than cloying.
I appreciated that Yi’s interviews with her famous friends were brief and not the focus of the movie; they did not distract from the story or pace. In fact, none of Yi’s interviews came across as fake, forced or scripted. They shot so much footage for the film that many of her interviews did not make the final cut; visit the official website to watch Yi chat with Jack Black, Bobcat Goldthwait, Bill Hader, Jason Ritter, Paul Scheer and more!
For the record, she and Michael Cera are not and have never been a couple in real life. Recent tabloid fodder has suggested otherwise, but their relationship was strictly for and in the film. Frankly, I loved watching their sweet connection unfold before our eyes because they are the king and queen of awkward.
The vignettes in Paper Heart reminded me of the real couples in When Harry Met Sally; Yi presents a more charming, heartwarming, modern update of those interview interludes. Regardless of whether or not you share Yi’s hesitant attitude toward matters of the heart, I guarantee that you will be both nodding your head in agreement with and laughing at some of the words of wisdom gleaned from the individuals and couples she spoke with.
Paper Heart opens in limited release today, and expands to a wider audience next weekend. I truly recommend that you experience this film for yourselves. It is not a chick flick or typical independent film; the actors, humor and story will appeal to both men and women, without question.