The Paperboy

In 2009 Lee Daniels made the hard hitting film 'Precious'. He returns with another hard hitting film but he's toned down the hard.
There is something about the state of Florida in America which seems to bring out lots of sleazy stories. Perhaps it is the heat. I know that many people will find this film weird and strange. But I do not think that is true. Lee Daniels used a story, that while weird and strange to us, seem perfectly normal to the characters that populate this film. These people are not the average citizens you see in your life, they are people with unusual fetishes and traits which you would not normally see. Which is what makes this film so good. We get a glimpse at a world we do not normally see. I agree these people are very unsavory but then that is the appeal. Lee is able to make this world feel real despite the dirtiness of it. Even the way he has filmed the movie with a grainy quality to the look of the film suits the dirty nature of the story and the characters. There also lots of serious themes and issues which Lee squeezes in there. The film is set in the 1960's which a period ripe to look at the impact of themes in society.
On the basis of 'Precious' Lee has managed to gather quite an impressive cast for his film. I have a great deal of respect for all the cast here as they play characters we have not seen them play before. Matthew McConaughey seems to be going from strength to strength as he plays really interesting characters. Ward is kind of a best of characters that Matthew has played before. I admire Nicole Kidman because she plays characters you don't normally expect her to. Nicole proves she can play high society as well as low society. I know she receives lots of criticism but I think she is an excellent actress. John Cusack is excellent as the weirdest character in the film. The one that impressed me the most was Zach Efron. I admire the fact that is trying to move away from the squeaky clean image he has. He does normally play it safe with a couple of romantic dramas, he then does the occasional independent film which proves he is more than just a pretty face.
Another film that will not appeal to everyone out there. If you like something a bit different then you will no doubt like this.