Paint knows exactly what it is, and it is because of this that it works so well. Owen Wilson gives one of his best performances as Carl Nargle.
Paint tells the story of Carl Nargle, played by Owen Wilson. He is a knock off Bob Ross who dresses as if it is still the 1970s and hosts a painting show on the local PBS television station. All the ladies love him, although it is unclear why because he doesn’t treat them very well.
His fame starts to diminish after a younger painter gets a show on the same channel. As the story unfolds, viewers learn more about why he is the way he is, and the things he has gone through. The movie doesn’t take itself very seriously, which is what makes it work. It is filled with dry humor that should absolutely get old, but it never does.
The obvious standout of Paint is Owen Wilson. This is a comedy and yet he takes his role as Carl Nargle extremely seriously. But at the same time, not too serious. It feels as though he has thrown everything he can into this performance, which is why viewers will find themselves loving the character, despite his flaws. He is not humble by any means, but once you learn what drives him you want to give him a hug.
Owen brings a personality to him that makes him likable and easily steals the show. The delivery of humor from him is spot on, making him the brightest part of the movie. That isn’t to say the other cast isn’t good, because they are. He just simply stands out among them.
The dynamic between Carl and Ambrosia (Ciara Renée) takes this movie to a whole new level. Their back and forth is hilarious and it is clear that both actors had a great time while filming. Throw in a few other great performances that create a love triangle, then rectangle, and you have the perfect movie night film.
Probably the biggest issue with Paint is that even though it clocks in at right around ninety minutes, it feels a lot longer than that. The story itself is predictable, for the most part. I don’t think anyone will see that ending coming (which makes it that much better). But the plot loses itself in the middle for a while.
It tends to drag on and some viewers might even be checking their watches, which is never a good thing with a comedy. Still, the comedy really hits when it works, delivering a lot of well timed laughs.
Overall Thoughts
Paint knows that it is not at all a serious movie, which is why it is so hilarious and fun. I would put this one in the same wheelhouse as Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, except it isn’t as good. That said, it has a dry humor to it that many will appreciate and have a good time with.
In Weird, the movie tells the fake story of Weird Al, whereas in Paint, the main character is clearly inspired by Bob Ross, but it is not him. The entire plot is made-up, which is clear by how silly it is.
Paint has a subtle humor to it that shouldn’t work as long as it does, but it finds a way to make it work. Owen Wilson is the perfect casting choice as he gives this role his all. Carl Nargle is someone that the audience should not be rooting for, and yet simply cannot help ourselves.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
NEXT: Renfield Is Pure Insanity
About Paint
Owen Wilson stars as Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public TV painter who is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke… until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
Paint hits theaters on April 7th.
