5.9
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Paperback Hero
1973·Movie
·1h 33min·R·
Paperback Hero fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Violence7
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia8
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
Some slapstick and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Physical Comedy6
- Absurdist Humor6
- Dark Humor6
World
History, fantasy, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Paperback Hero is tense, fast-paced, and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome slapstick and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some slapstick and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
MediumHistory, fantasy, and the mind
Its world is built around history, fantasy, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative5Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
every woman's had one... every man's been one... once...
A hockey player in a small town begins to lose his grip on reality and starts to believe that he is a gunslinger in the Old West.
Psychological WesternSmall Town HockeyGunslinger DelusionReality vs. FantasyEccentric CharactersNostalgic AtmosphereMental BreakdownDark Humor
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Paperback Hero
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Paperback Hero worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 5.9 and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Paperback Hero rated?
RViolence
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Paperback Hero?
1 h 33 min
Paperback Hero runs 1 h 33 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Paperback Hero?
Critics80
Audiences59
Not quite. Critics rate Paperback Hero higher (80) than audiences (59). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Paperback Hero in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
What tropes does Paperback Hero use?
Animal Reaction ShotBelligerent Sexual TensionDisposable FiancéDrives Like CrazyFish Out of WaterHand SignalsInternal RevealThe Lad-etteSeven Dirty WordsScenery PornWrite Who You KnowReal Men Wear Pinkand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for Paperback Hero, including Animal Reaction Shot, Belligerent Sexual Tension, Disposable Fiancé.