Rating: 
Summary: Sum less than the (good) parts
Review: Odd film, this. The cast is first-rate and the individual performances good, at times excellent (Close, Duvall, Tomei); the main theme of the story is interesting, as are the sub-plots; Ron Howard's direction is of the high quality audiences would expect; and the settings are authentically New York, appropriate for a "newspaper" flick. So, why doesn't it all work any better than it does?One reason is that the individual scenes have greater dramatic impact than the complete film does. At times, the scenes appear to have been taken from different films and pasted together into this one. Robert Duvall's attempts to reestablish contact with his estranged daughter - an angry woman if ever there was one - are both touching and unsettling. The restaurant scene with Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei presents a detailed, albeit quick, portrait of their complex relationship, although Keaton's out-of-body experience seemed out-of-keeping with the overall tone of the film. The newspaper editorial staff meeting provides opportunity for several of the supporting characters to distinguish themselves. Tomei's solo screen time is excellent and the Keaton/Close knock-down, drag-out fight on the catwalk by the presses is genuinely frightening.
But, the drama in these scenes does not carry over to the film as a whole. Since each of these story elements receives almost equal attention, the main thread of the story - whether or not the paper will effect the fate of the accused man - does not take center stage. With the film's focus shifted to the struggles among the people who think they hold the accused's fate in their hands, the audience does not have an opportunity to empathize with the accused himself. In the theatre, this lack of empathy can make the whole venture fall flat. Fortunately, with the DVD format, one can re-watch his favorite scenes without investing time repeating the entire film. In this film, the individual performances are sufficiently powerful to warrant that approach.
Rating:
Summary: Sum less than the (good) parts
Review: Odd film, this. The cast is first-rate and the individual performances good, at times excellent (Close, Duvall, Tomei); the main theme of the story is interesting, as are the sub-plots; Ron Howard's direction is of the high quality audiences would expect; and the settings are authentically New York, appropriate for a "newspaper" flick. So, why doesn't it all work any better than it does? One reason is that the individual scenes have greater dramatic impact than the complete film does. At times, the scenes appear to have been taken from different films and pasted together into this one. Robert Duvall's attempts to reestablish contact with his estranged daughter - an angry woman if ever there was one - are both touching and unsettling. The restaurant scene with Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei presents a detailed, albeit quick, portrait of their complex relationship, although Keaton's out-of-body experience seemed out-of-keeping with the overall tone of the film. The newspaper editorial staff meeting provides opportunity for several of the supporting characters to distinguish themselves. Tomei's solo screen time is excellent and the Keaton/Close knock-down, drag-out fight on the catwalk by the presses is genuinely frightening.
But, the drama in these scenes does not carry over to the film as a whole. Since each of these story elements receives almost equal attention, the main thread of the story - whether or not the paper will effect the fate of the accused man - does not take center stage. With the film's focus shifted to the struggles among the people who think they hold the accused's fate in their hands, the audience does not have an opportunity to empathize with the accused himself. In the theatre, this lack of empathy can make the whole venture fall flat. Fortunately, with the DVD format, one can re-watch his favorite scenes without investing time repeating the entire film. In this film, the individual performances are sufficiently powerful to warrant that approach.
Rating:
Summary: Good movie, Bad DVD...
Review: Ron Howard isn't the most dynamic of directors -- his style is pretty vanilla and he hasn't picked the greatest projects in the world (i.e. Ransom) but he was right on the money with The Paper. While he tends to cram a little too much into one day -- nobody has that exciting a day -- you have to give him a bit of artistic license -- it is a movie after all. Michael Keaton is well-cast as the big city paper editor with too much on his plate. He can do the manic side of his character (see, well, any movie he's ever done) and he's also up for the serious stuff too. Obviously, he must enjoy playing a journalist as he did a great job as one in Live From Baghdad as well. The cast is what makes this film work so well. Aside from Keaton, the other real stand-out is Randy Quaid as a fellow reporter and friend. For years now, Quaid as been typecast in dumb guy roles. It so refreshing to see him actually play an intelligent, street savvy reporter in this film. He gets all the great lines and steals all the scenes he's in. The film really kicks into gear when he and Keaton team-up to blow the lid off of a high profile story. I'd love to see these guys do another film together. While the film does get a tad on the preachy, idealistic side, it still is a very entertaining look at working on a major newspaper in New York City. It's a shame that the DVD is such a letdown. No extras and pan and scanned. Ugh. However, Opie seems to be revisiting his films on DVD with new special editions (i.e. Splash, Ransom). Hopefully, this one will get the deluxe treatment.
Rating:
Summary: Paper Thin
Review: The inner workings of a newspaper are well documented in the film THE PAPER. Unfortunately, the colorful storyline is as thin and eclectic as the Sunday comics.Structured around cliches', the screenplay shoots from one over-the-top situation to another. From police and government corruption, corporate beauracracy, bar brawls, dangerous child birth, fist fights and gun shots THE PAPER has it all... Just no cohesion. Michael Keaton, Glenn Close and Randy Quaid battle to chew the most scenery in their stereotypical roles. Only Robert Duvall turns his formula role into something worth following. Accented by a great musical score by Randy Newman, the film has some merits. this was a very early DVD release so has nothing to offer beyond the acceptable widescreen transfer.
Rating: 
Summary: The Paper DVD is Full Screen
Review: The laser disc is wide screen, like the movie itself, but the dvd is pan and scan. Yuck. Great movie, lousy dvd.
Rating: 
Summary: Ron Howard sinks his teeth into the newspaper business.
Review: The only reason I gave "The Paper" dvd a rating of four was for the fact that is not presented in a widescreen format, which is a shame because this is Ron Howard at his best as a director. Howard has the ability to bring out humanity in his characters and reach across generes in doing so. "The Paper" is perfectly cast. Michael Keaton gives an entergetic performance as the assistant editor of the New York Sun, stressed out, always looking for the headline that will put the paper on top.He is also married to a fellow newsie, Marisa Tomei, who is on pregnancy leave but misses the excitement around the office. Keaton is in constant conflict with the managing editor, Glenn Close, whose carrer has topped at the paper and her only release to meet for midday affairs with another member of the paper. Robert Duvall,who is the head hancho at the paper, takes on a OB1 Kenobi type role with Keaton and is constantly reminding himself, and others, about his pastmistakes. Randy Quaid is an editorial writer whose columns has got him into hot water with the city parking manger( played by Jason Alexander). He has to sleep in Keatons office and carry a gun because of threats on his life. Howard makes us believe in these characters and their personalities, which are all maxed to the limit in a period of 24 hours as the members of "The Paper" try to get the scoop that will put them out front.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Movie, Poor DVD
Review: This is a nice DVD, if you don't mind that 27.9 percent of the original theatrical image has been removed for the DVD exhibition, so that the DVD image fills your entire 4:3 television screen (theatrical aspect ratio - 1.85:1; DVD aspect ratio - 4:3). If you're okay with that, enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Overlooked Gem of a Flick
Review: This is quite simply an incredible movie which moves at a breakneck pace from the opening scene. The film is well-written with great acting, excellent direction, interesting cinematography, is funny as hell, and ultimately touches on issues as deep as love, priorities, right & wrong, and integrity. What else do you need? BUY THIS DVD IMMEDIATELY!
Rating:
Summary: Not for the easily-distracted or "taffy" thinker
Review: This movie doesn't insult your intelligence -- if you're a quick thinker, able to comprehend and eager to move on to the next point -- this one'll give you a run for your money. I think Glenn Close was an odd choice (although well-acted), but wonderfully manic Keaton and the always charming Tomei make up for any initial discomfort. I highly recommend this lightning-fast portrayal of a virtue long-gone -- ethical journalism. OK, it's trite, but this is truly a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: Smart, Smart, Funny Movie.
Review: This movie is about a day in the life of a New York tabloid and the people who pour life and soul into the paper. It's a marvelous cast and ensemble piece. It has some very funny lines and furious dialogue. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen this movie. I know every bit of the plot and just about every line in it. Yet is never fails to make me laugh nor am I even the slightest bit tempted to fast-forward to the punch line. Well worth having in your movie library.
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