"Paddleton": Romano And Duplass Will Make You Laugh Until It Hurts

"Paddleton": Movie Review

I can't say enough positive things about Netflix's film, "Paddleton". It's a remarkably moving and quirky dramedy that pulls no punches. A film that sheds life's unfortunate truths, through the eyes of Ray Romano and Mark Duplass who's slow moving performances will make you laugh until it hurts.

It's surface level plot revolves around a  friendship that sparks between two lonely neighbors, who's relationship is tested as Duplass's character discovers he has terminal cancer.

Between Romano and Duplass, both their performances are top notch. This dry and often striking film by Alex Lehman ("Blue Jay") consistently hits the right notes between touching and funny and never lets up. Lehman loves diving into his characters and generating an improvisation that delivers authenticity to the majority of it's actors.

However, the film isn't always on the ball. A few instances show Lehman's tendency to border on slapstick comedy, and the jokes don't always land. While this is a minor critique, it is oddly distracting in a film that is relentless in it's view of death and terminal illness.

"Paddleton" is a riveting drama, that has a few too many indulgent moments, that go on a tad too long. But it is worth a viewing just for it's spine tingling climax, and touching relationship.

You can never go wrong with a Duplass production.

3 Stars Out Of 4