Thursday, February 11, 2010

Watch Paper Heart, it smells like Christmas

Quick Verdict: Watch this slow paced, but heart warming mockumentary about love if you have the time. The inspiring stories are worth enduring the secondary romance between Charlyne Yi and Michael Cera. You might also enjoy the adorable soundtrack.

Movies w/ Similar Vibes:
Dan in Real Life, 500 Days of Summer

It made me feel...
all fuzzy and warm inside. And bored some parts.

DVD Extras:
You must watch Charlyne interview comedians about the existence of love. ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!

extended plot overview & review
CHARLYNE YI DOESN'T BELIEVE IN LOVE. She doubts love's existence entirely, questions the power of love, and even worries about her capabilities to love. Seemingly radical, Charlyne manages to hit a nerve in all of us. Besides, can any one truly provide a universal definition for love? Paper Heart sets out to find the answer.

Part documentary, part typical romance, Paper Heart is the quirky indie film that you expected it to be. At first, the awkward, yet charming Charlyne travels across America to interview people ranging from scientists to the owners of a wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Each provide unique and memorable stories, illustrated by cute marionettes. Separated by location and experience, all of the interviewees passionately agree on the existence and importance of love in their lives -even the divorcee and widow. Baffled, Charlyne sticks to her stubborn "I don't believe in love" ordeal.

That is until she meets Michael. Michael Cera, that is, who plays her love interest in the fabricated storyline of the movie. The two share a genuine dorky chemistry and often exchange quick, witty dialogue. Not your typical blockbuster romance, but it secretly grows on you.

After a few dates, Charlyne admits that she really likes Michael and even misses him while she travels to interview people. One would assume that she would give in to the concept of love, but she holds her ground. "I wanna be his girlfriend, but not the girlfriend," remarks Charlyne.

Near the end of this slow paced movie, the presence of the "documentary" crew has placed strains on the relationship between Michael and Charlyne. The gawkiness of Charlyne may also place strains on you and the movie.

Ironically, Charlyne spends a few days in Paris, the city of love, confirming her worst fear. After 12 hours of filming she exclaims," I'm not said over Michael! I'm sad because I can't love him. I can't lie and say that I love him back when I don't. I can't!"

Poorly planned romance aside, Paper Heart succeeds in shedding an optimistic light on love. The interviews are sincere and are central to the power of Paper Heart. Without definitely answering the questions it sought to answer, Paper Heart leaves the audience to draw conclusions.

In the end, Charlyne goes to Canada to make amends with Michael, without the cameras rolling.
She then tops the movie off with the greatest marionette scene yet, which involves her riding a motorcyle with Michael fiercly clutching her back.

Maybe after all, Charlyne Yi does believe in love.

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