Filmmaker Lucero has that Capra lightning shining all throughout The Paper Bag Plan. I was repeatedly brought to the edge of tears, which is some special old-school movie magic. The sophistication of the screenplay’s cinematic storytelling is stunning. I was completely riveted for every second of every minute, the momentum is relentless. Lucero completely immerses the audience into the world of Oscar and Billy, and suddenly, a simple bagging job becomes this crucial lifeline to survival. In this way, The Paper Bag Plan is the American The Bicycle Thief, where the smallest things carry a significance as big as the sky. While it seems like a niche subject, this is the kind of movie anyone anywhere will be completely carried away by. Even if you don’t think you are going to like it, you are sure to love it, which is another great movie-viewing feeling, just like a hot cup of Capra.
“…a style-less method works so well when you have a script this strong and great actors …”
I was skeptical when I approached this film as I wanted to see how true it was going to be to the subject matter. I remember the turmoil my father and stepmother went through trying to find a working plan for my challenged little brother when he was in his 20s. It was twelve shades of impossible, and I wanted to see if the movie was going to do that justice. Lucero makes sure justice is served. He gives us many different spoonfuls of the Hell that is out there with the months-long waiting lists and unacceptable group home conditions. The directing manner is pure bread and butter, well lit, shot, and cut without any stylistic flourishes to pull attention. This is another great example of how a style-less method works so well when you have a script this strong and great actors to play to it.
Massie is a total charmer. He will have you wrapped around his little finger in no time. I was impressed by how Massie perfectly catches the bravado that is so common in the program. But Massie can also catch you in his laser beam and knock you flat with his seriousness, such as in the knockout job interview scene. Kinsey is magnificent, which is fitting for someone who is a secret Generation X royalty. Kinsey is Lt. Proctor from the Police Academy movies, a franchise that holds a ridiculously important place in the hearts of many. Kinsey radiates how deeply flawed Oscar is and then proceeds not to give a f**k in the most awesome dead-end cruiser way. The Paper Bag Plan is a little film that is a big surprise. Looks like Papa’s got a brand-new bag.
"…the kind of movie anyone anywhere will be completely carried away by"
