I did not want to see this movie. I guess it could have been worse, at least I wasn’t dreading it. From the trailer, it looked like a mildly amusing, comedy. Plus it’s a short 90-minute movie, so at least I wouldn’t have to sit through a long snoozer.
Once the movie started it didn’t take long for me to get hooked. I looked up the writer/director: Brit McAdams. He hasn’t done much prior to this: Tosh.0, Triviatown, and Katt Williams. None of which I’ve ever heard of before. And I just checked out his website: mritmcadams.com and get a “This site can’t be reached.”
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Clearly, Brit McAdams has not hit the big time yet. But I have a feeling that might happen soon. Painter isn’t going to knock your socks off or win a slew of awards, but it’s just the type of artistic, quirky fun that we need more of.
The story is serious, without being too serious. The characters don’t quite feel like real people. Almost like this movie takes place in a slightly altered universe. That plays along with the time setting which is slippery. It feels like it takes place in a quasi-70s/80s/90s mashup.
What it really reminds me of is a Wes Anderson movie. If you go watch this movie I’d love to know if you agree. I was the only person in the theater during my screening, so I looked up the director while the movie was running, just to make sure it wasn’t Wes Anderson. And now, wouldn’t you know it, I have a craving to see a Wes Anderson movie. 🙂 Fortunately, there’s one coming very soon.
Certainly, if you like Wes Anderson movies then I would highly recommend this. But I’m not certain it really needs a theater watching. This would play just fine at home in a month or so.
But by all means, do not miss the extra scene during the end credits. It is easily one of the best extras I’ve seen. A real, “Get the f#@& out of here.” 🙂
Grade: B+
About The Peetimes: This is a short movie, so I was only able to squeeze in two Peetimes. I’m not crazy about the first Peetime, but it will suffice if you have to go early. The second Peetime is pretty good. It’s mostly a music montage.
There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Paint.
| Rated: | (PG-13) Drug Use | Smoking | Sexual/Suggestive Material |
| Genres: | Comedy |
| Starring: | Owen Wilson, Stephen Root, Wendi McLendon-Covey |
| Director: | Brit McAdams |
| Writer(s): | Brit McAdams |
| Language: | English |
| Country: | United States |
Plot
Carl Nargle, a local treasure with a soothing whisper of a voice, has been hosting his own painting show on Vermont public television for decades. His art captivates, and has attracted the attention of many women over the years, especially those who work at the station. But Carl is in a rut, and the station isn’t pulling in ratings. When a new painter is hired to revitalize the channel, Carl’s own fears regarding his talents as a painter are brought to the forefront.
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Terri
I’ve been waiting for your review on this! Paint was the Monday Mystery Movie a few weeks ago, and it did not disappoint. My brother-in-law and I were two of about 50 in the theatre and it seemed others got good laughs at the same times we did. Certainly not a fast-paced, action-packed flick so it won’t be for everyone, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. I also used the word “quirky” (along with clever) to describe Paint.
Note: Despite Owen Wilson’s looks for Paint, it is not a Bob Ross auto pic.
Fun Fact: Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson were college roommates! 🙂
Dan Gardner Administrator
Wes and Owen were roommates? Get out of here! That’s so funny. 🙂
Going into the movie, I was wondering if there was any relation to Bob Ross. But that quickly went out the window. I wonder why they chose to model Carl as a Bob Ross look-alike.
Terri
From what I understand/read somewhere…it was Owen’s idea to use the Bob Ross look. To me, I think that look will keep disinterested people away or set expectations that won’t be met for those wanting a semi-bio film.
Too bad because Paint is entertaining in a smart, humble way – at least in my opinion.
Dan Gardner Administrator
Interesting. Yeah, I think it had better potential if they didn’t go with the Bob Ross look. Clearly, not many are going to see this in the theater. But I’d bet it will get a good look once it goes to streaming. I’ll try to keep an eye on it and remind people when they can watch it at home.
Anonymous
I loved it. What was can be what is. It’s a story about life.