THE PAPERBOY (Lee Daniels, See Director Interview). A D Films release. 107 minutes. Opens Friday (October 19). See times. Rating: NNN
Director Lee Daniels (Precious) gets in your face with this story of newspaperman Ward (Matthew McConaughey), who tries to exonerate a racist police chief’s killer (John Cusack in decidedly unlovable mode) with the help of Charlotte, who’s horny for felons (Nicole Kidman).
Sexually violent – the main sex scene is jaw-droppingly disturbing – gory and full of nasty characters, The Paperboy is so trashy that, when you’re not turning away, you’ll be laughing.
But Lee gets great performances from his cast, including Kidman, Macy Gray as the family maid and, surprisingly, Zac Efron as Ward’s younger brother.
There’s an underlying theme of corruption here, but that and any other content tends to get eclipsed by style.
