Friday, June 19, 2009
Last night was the start of Film Independent’s LA Film Festival in Westwood, kicking off with the world premiere of “Paper Man,” starring Jeff Daniels, Lisa Kudrow, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone. The story centers around Daniels’ character, Richard Dunne, a middle aged writer with writer’s block in an unhappy marriage to Kudrow, a surgeon who would rather be 100 miles away from her husband. He befriends a teenager played by Emma Stone and learns about friendship and embracing maturity. Ryan Reynolds takes on the role of Captain Excellent (think ripped muscles in a blue leotard and short, spikey blonde hair-one of the few actors that could actually pull this look off while looking hot and not annoying), a superhero and possibly the only friend Richard Dunne has ever had, until Emma comes along. The acting was well above average, particularly that of Emma Stone whose complicated teenage character is dealing with her own inner demons and a very troubling, out of the ordinary past. A movie worth seeing. Some of the celebrities in attendance were, Christina Ricci, a leather jacket shrouded Christian Slater, Laura Dern, Robert Downey Jr. going low profile in a T-Shirt and shades, and Dermot Mulroney. From there, it was off to the premiere after party at the Napa Valley Grille, where vodka mojitos were served with Rose’s Mojito Cocktail Mix and Marani vodka-the perfect drink for summer.
