The popularity of independent films has blown-up in past few years. These films change of pace has caused a demand for these types of movies. That might not be the case if people were exposed to movies like Paper Man . The film sports a fantastic cast of Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone and Lisa Kudrow and somehow still remains far beneath the radar. This wasn’t the result of mistakes at the hands of the disturbers; Paper Man has remained unnoticed because it lacks the essential human connection to its characters, and focuses heavily on a side character that doesn’t affect the film.

Richard Dunn (Jeff Daniels) is a writer who goes into seclusion at a house in Montauk to work on his new book. When Richard’s wife Claire (Lisa Kudrow) heads back home, she doesn’t leave Richard by himself. He still has his imaginary friend and superhero Captain Excellent (Ryan Reynolds). At this point it is fair to say that Richard has a few issue to deal with, and what better outlet to seek than teenager Abby (Emma Stone)? Their interactions start out awkward, but they quickly get used to one another in their strictly platonic, somewhat father-daughter relationship.

Even after ruling out the romantic possibilities between the two, Richard and Abby’s relationship doesn’t sit right. The two become so close because of their shared antisocial tendencies, but that doesn’t make it seem any more appropriate, especially when Richard offers to throw a kegger for Abby’s acquaintances.

I would say friends, but her and Richard both find themselves without any. Aside from Captain Excellent, and Christopher (Kieran Culkin), Abby’s best friend until Richard comes into her life. Captain Excellent is a very irritating character; even though he is the focus of the advertising art for the film he barely has an effect on the film. He being an imaginary friend considered, he should have had something more to offer in the film besides mild comic relief.

The “Making of” feature covers the general subjects: directors and crew, cast and characters, and setting. The one odd thing about this feature is that it comes off as an advertisement for the film. Most features on a movie will highlight its finer qualities, but this one feels pushed to a higher degree. The baron winter in Montauk is a perfect location or the film, and it is wonderful that the two co-directors had everything so well planned, but hearing the actors and producers talk this meager film up so much nearly discredits what they have to say.

With all that can be said about Paper Man, it isn’t without its strengths. All of the actors played their parts well, especially Emma Stone who gives her best performance to date. The real issue with Paper Man isn’t that it is without value; it is that it was made with the

belief quirky equals quality, which is entirely untrue. Paper Man is just an average film that is delivered in an unconventional way and nothing more or less.