Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Charlyne Yi | ... | Self | |
Michael Cera | ... | Michael Cera | |
Jake Johnson | ... | Nicholas Jasenovec (as Jake M. Johnson) | |
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Gill Summers | ... | Self |
Martin Starr | ... | Self | |
Seth Rogen | ... | Self | |
Demetri Martin | ... | Self | |
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Luciano Yi | ... | Self |
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Lydia Yi | ... | Self |
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Mike Modrak | ... | Self |
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Bill Hase | ... | Self |
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Matthew Craig | ... | Self |
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Donald Skinner-Noble | ... | Self |
Derek Waters | ... | Self | |
Matthew Bass | ... | Self |
Charlyne Yi embarks on a quest across America to make a documentary about the one subject she doesn't fully understand: Love. Michael Cera becomes the object of her affection. Weaving together reality and fantasy, Paper Heart combines elements of documentary and traditional storytelling to get at modern romance. Written by Anonymous
The basic conceit of this movie rather self-destructs as the line between documentary and reality show is deliberately blurred by cast and crew. Some people have described this film as quirky, but instead, I found it self-indulgent and contrived. Well, most of it anyway. I didn't believe for a moment that Charlyne Yi doubted that love, romantic love, is achievable, but alternately, I would suggest that she pretends she isn't lovable, and effectively, that affectation is less than adorable. Methinks she doth protest too much....
Some of the people interviewed had compelling stories, but nothing exceptionally profound, or remarkable. The film's conclusion left me rooting for the camera operator. Matter of fact, midway through the film I delayed making a trip to the restroom because I was certain I would miss the one essential element that would make "Paper Heart" worthwhile. As you might imagine, I was relieved when the credits finally rolled.