The Paper (1994)

Henry Hackett is the editor of a New York City tabloid. He is a workaholic who loves his job, but the long hours and low pay are leading to discontent. Also, publisher Bernie White faces financial straits, and has hatchetman Alicia Clark, Henry's nemesis, impose unpopular cutbacks. Henry's wife Martha, a hugely pregnant former reporter of his, is fed up because he has so little time for his family. He is therefore considering an offer from Paul Bladden to edit a paper like the New York Times, which would mean more money, shorter hours, more respectability...but might also be a bit boring for his tastes. But a hot story soon confronts Henry with tough decisions. The Paper is half dramatic and half funny and it lands perfectly thanks to a great performance by Michael Keaton and a good supporting cast although i do think that Spotlight was way way better more serious and more disturbing but i like this kind of movies anyways. The problem here is that the film doesn't have many memorable scenes, the cast is talented sure but in the end is sweet to look at but honestly i expected more as a movie and this whole thing with the murder takes the movie kinda off but in the end it's still a pretty good Ron Howard - Michael Keaton movie would i buy it on DVD tho? Honestly no but still it deserves better than a 6.6 that's for sure!!

Yet another big budget, Hollywood movie about the wild, fast paced world of journalism. It is not exactly an exciting premise but Hollywood keeps romanticizing this profession. Don't expect All the President's Men, Absence of Malice, or even the Pelican Brief here. This is just Ron Howard stockpiling a bunch of big names much like the Yankees do. I read reviews where this is a realistic look at news...yada yada...so what? That doesn't make good cinema. There is much shouting, arguing, fighting including a fistfight between Close and Keaton to show just how much convictions their characters have. I don't find anyone or anything particularly likable or interesting in this tedious piece.

It's the story of the staff at one of New York's lesser newspapers, their professional trials and personal tribulations. The cast is seasoned and the performances professional. No complaints. Marisa Tomei gives what is perhaps the most credible performance with Robert Duval close behind. Michael Keaton is fine in the lead.The problem -- and it's getting to be a big problem these days -- is that there isn't an original idea in it. The script seems to have been written in accordance with some kind of algorithm developed by the MBAs who now run Hollywood. Let's say it's "viewer friendly" for viewers who think of "continental food" as swank.When we first meet Marisa Tomei as the wife of editor Michael Keaton, for instance, she's preposterously pregnant. There is not a single moment of doubt in the savvy viewer's mind that there is later going to be a scene in which she gives birth or miscarriages or something on the screen. It would never occur to the people who greenlight this sort of pabulum that a movie can have a pregnant character who doesn't deliver, as in the Coen brothers' immeasurably superior "Fargo." I dislike "political correctness" as much as anyone, and this is political correctness gone berserk. Duval is editor-in-chief. He's old and sick. His prostate is the size of a bagel and he has a hacking cough -- and he smokes CIGARETTES! OMG! Nobody else among the frenzied staff of this tabloid smoke. We're clearly meant to feel sympathy for a generous boss but we also think, "Why doesn't the stupid jagoff quit smoking?" That sentiment carries a good deal of contempt. In a sense, Duval is getting what he deserves for his filthy habit.And when Marisa Tomei meets an old friend, Catherine O'Hara, for an al fresco lunch, O'Hara consumes more white wine with the salad than Tomei, who looks on worriedly. The stringest norms don't leave anyone much wiggle room.Keaton is a vigorous young man who is offered a job at a higher salary at the prestigious New York Sentinel (read "Times"), but when we see the job interview we know at once that Keaton won't take it. The interviewer is Clint Howard, the director's brother, and while Duval is in his shirt sleeves over at the New York Scuttlebutt, Clint Howard is cool in his blue dress shirt and bow tie and weirdly stylish hair cut. It all goes with his built-in sneer.The story has its amusing moments but they're punctuated by the pathos that a good commercial product must carry. But Howard's not alone in his hackitude. He's had plenty of company, like Penny Marshal and Rob Reiner.I guess you can tell I didn't like the script much. Sometimes -- sometimes -- it feels as if we're all being strangled by bourgeois values and the need to be PC. I can't even take a Saturday night's walk in my fishnet stockings and crimson stilettos without all these "proper people" howling with laughter and throwing empty yogurt cups at me. Tsk Tsk.

I loved this movie...a real 90s sleeper. It's hard to determine why some films don't get the attention they deserve. The Paper is delightfully acted by an A-list ensemble in their prime. It's hilariously funny, with great timing and pace, and some poignant overtones on commitment, loyalty, family, friendship, work and the workplace, and big city journalism.Feel-good and sardonic at the same time, I did NOT find it completely predictable. The screenplay is terrific, with thoughtful, intelligent, brisk dialog. Not a dull moment; completely entertaining. A film for "grown-ups". More kudos to Ron Howard.Renting it just to watch the superb Glen Close's character, especially in the "stop the presses" scene, is worth the time/money alone. A charming Marisa Tomei perfectly cast. Robert Duvall, Jason Alexander, Jason Robards, and of course Michael Keaton...what's not to like? One of those films that can be watched many times by men and women alike. Highly recommended.