Flash Review: The Sweet Hereafter [1997] & The Paperboy [2012]

July 1, 2013

Its pace is a little too tranquil for my taste, verging on dull, but Atom Egoyan beautifully transfers Russell Banks’ novel to the screen, expertly translating his poignant words to the language of cinema. Fantastic writing, solid acting and striking cinematography make this a worthwhile literary adaptation.

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Nasty, sweaty thriller is a good companion piece to Killer Joe, also starring Matthew McConaughey, but, even though this one also features great performances and enough pervy insanity, it just doesn’t match Joe’s engrossing storytelling or brazen shock value. Creepy, occasionally sexy and set to a wonderful soundtrack, The Paperboy isn’t great but it also didn’t deserve to be booed at Cannes. Well, maybe just John Cusack.

Category : Film Reviews, Flash Reviews

Tags : 1997, 2012, atom egoyan, blog, bloggers, blogging, booed cannes, bruce greenwood, bus crash, cannes film festival, critic, david oyelowo, film, flash, flash review, florida, ian holm, john cusack, killer joe, lee daniels, matthew mcconaughey, movies, nicole kidman, nicole kidman pee, review, russell banks, sam dent, sarah polley, the paperboy, the sweet hereafter, thriller, zac efron

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9 thoughts on “Flash Review: The Sweet Hereafter [1997] & The Paperboy [2012]”

Nick Powell on July 1, 2013 at 10:22 pm said:

What a combination! I haven’t even heard of The Sweet Hereafter.

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fernandorafael on July 2, 2013 at 6:13 am said:

I’m eclectic like that! LOL. I wasn’t aware of it either until recently, when I read the book.

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The Cinemaniac on July 2, 2013 at 2:59 pm said:

Really? It was nominated for Best Screenplay and Director, I think.

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Mark Walker on July 2, 2013 at 8:15 am said:

I actually liked John Cusack in The Paperboy and think the film itself has been unfairly criticised. It does have issues but I quite enjoyed it.

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fernandorafael on July 2, 2013 at 8:24 am said:

I didn’t think he was that bad, just miscast.

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ruth on July 9, 2013 at 9:04 am said:

I’m intrigued by The Sweet Hereafter but The Paperboy, not so much. Great reviews Fernando!

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fernandorafael on July 9, 2013 at 9:09 am said:

Thanks, Ruth. I think you’d enjoy Sweet Hereafter.

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moviewriting on July 29, 2013 at 11:36 pm said:

I’ve not heard of The Sweet Hereafter but I’m interested after reading your thoughts. I loved Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz so might have to check it out! I wasn’t too impressed by The Paperboy but agree its a sweaty companion piece to Killer Joe. Cusack is disgusting in it! Great reviews 🙂

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fernandorafael on July 30, 2013 at 8:19 pm said:

You should check out Sweet Hereafter. It’s a pretty good drama and yeah, Polley is one of the standouts.

About Paperboy, I too thought Cusack was disgusting in it but not in a good way like Nicole Kidman, haha!

Thanks!

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