The Paperboy

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  • Opened October 5, 2012 (Limited)
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • R | Strong Sexual Content, Language and Violence
  • Parents: Common Sense Media says not for kids. More on child suitability

  • In 1969 Florida, reporter Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) returns to his hometown to write a story about death-row inmate Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack), who was convicted of murdering a racist lawman. Ward hires his younger brother, Jack (Zac Efron), as a driver and, together with his partner, Yardley (David Oyelowo), gets to work. Though the possibility exists that Van Wetter is innocent, Ward and Yardley unwisely trust a vixen (Nicole Kidman) who will do anything to set the convict free. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack, David Oyelowo, Scott Glenn, Ned Bellamy
  • Director: Lee Daniels
  • Genres: Drama

What's the Buzz?

So-so
Fans say So-So
1,994 fans
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So-so
Critics say So-So
45 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

Oh No!
The Paperboy

by kaimakan

Worst movie of 2012. Lee Daniels can't direct actors and has no sense of pace or style. Nicole Kidman should take a vacation for embarrassment, Matthew McConaughey destroys all the good will he has...

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The Paperboy

by galenmcooper

Dark and disturbing story with award worthing performances by 3 actors who had to have stepped way out of their comfort zone. Zac Efron--intense and emotional, John Cusack--convincingly...

So-so
Ok movie...

by Sombrita

I read a few of the reviews on here and curious to go see this movie; as a plus, pro reviewers didn't like it which can be a good sign as a lot of them are part of a 'system' which pushes a certain...

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Critic Reviews

80
The Hollywood Reporter
| Todd McCarthy

In the spirit of the venture, the entire cast gets down and comes off all the better for it. Both Efron and McConaughey get very messed up physically, and both actors seem stimulated to be playing such flawed characters. Read full review

75
Philadelphia Inquirer
| Steven Rea

The Paperboy is over-the-top every which way you look. Read full review

75
Boston Globe
| Wesley Morris

I've never seen a movie like this. Not on purpose. Daniels isn't saying he's tasteful. He's just saying that his tasteless trash is as deserving of our attention as the tasteful trash we feel like we have to see. The whole thing's a crazy fantasy, like watching a porno dream it can win the Oscar. Read full review

75
USA Today
| Claudia Puig

Gator-filled swamps, an ultra-grungy murderer, racial undertones and a sexually charged atmosphere make up the tense and lurid world of The Paperboy. Read full review

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Photos

David Oyelowo as Yardley and Matthew McConaughey as Ward Jansen in "The Paperboy."