Paint movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Paint

The film is currently available on streaming on AMC+.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 36 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: C

IN A NUTSHELL:

Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public television painter, is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke – until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.

The film was written and directed by first-time director Brit McAdams. The film is a long time coming, as it was put on the Blacklist in 2010 for the year’s most-liked, unproduced screenplay.

THINGS I LIKED:

I admit that I never saw the trailer for this film before watching it, so I assumed it was a biopic of the famous Bob Ross who hosted the popular TV show “The Joy of Painting” on public TV. It’s definitely NOT but certainly inspired by it.
The cast includes Owen Wilson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Michaela Watkins, Stephen Root, and more.
Owen Wilson explained in an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he really wanted to use a line in the movie that he once heard actor Sean Penn say. The line is “When’s the last time you heard somebody say something that interesting?” Owen Wilson used it when his character is sitting in a forest, listening to birds chirping.
Filming was done in Albany, New York.
The movie celebrates the love and creation of artistic communication.
There is a lot of subtle, quirky humor, although not all of it lands.
There is an entertaining scene when Carl Nargle tries to destroy all of his artwork by angrily splashing paint all over the canvases, resulting in another lovely piece of art. Cute.
I laughed out loud when old technology was used to censor a pipe out of a video. We sure have come a long way since then.
The film does a good job illustrating obsession and passion. What we focus on every day can control us and even blind us.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits for a bonus scene and some entertaining artwork.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

While the main character is inspired by Bob Ross, the movie is not based on facts and seems a bit disrespectful to him, honestly.
The movie spends way too much time painting the picture of a defeated man who takes forever to make a change in his life.
The film also spends way too much on who is sleeping with whom.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

A lot of suggestive conversations
Two women kiss. It’s understood that they have intimate relations.
Lots of cigar smoking
A man takes drugs.

THEMES:

Regrets
Jealousy
Competition
Fame
Art
Passion
Courage
Infidelity
Education

FUNNY LINES:

Nothing worth noting.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Everyone is entitled to their favorite TV show. That’s what makes this country great.” – Carl Nargle (Owen Wilson)
“A real man never looks back.” – Carl Nargle (Owen Wilson)
“A real artist follows his heart no matter the cost.” – Ambrosia Long (Ciara Renee)
“What’s the image tucked away in your brain that makes y our heart and your soul feel like it’s going to burst?” – museum guy
“Keep moving forward.” – Sydney (Joel Leffert)
“It’s all meaningless without a special someone by your side.” – Carl Nargle (Owen Wilson)
“I just thought you could handle it better, given the amount of denim you wear.” – Katherine (Michaela Watkins)