Paper Tiger – Budget of $15 million – 1 hour and 54 minutes
 |
Irwin’s wife, Hester, reminds her family they have to visit her mother. Irwin jokingly asks whether he must attend, while their sons, Scott and Ben, complain. The family relaxes in the community pool when Irwin’s brother, Gary, calls. He has a business opportunity for Irwin’s engineering company. However, he doesn’t want to discuss it over the phone. He will come to Irwin’s home with dinner to broach the topic. Irwin agrees.
Gary arrives at Irwin’s home, and his nephews marvel at his gun. Gary is a former NYPD officer who now owns a successful security company. After dinner, Gary and Irwin discuss the new venture in the basement while Hester listens at the top of the stairs. The mafia left the Gowanus Canal, and the Russians took over. However, the city is citing them for pollution infractions. Irwin scoffs because companies have been polluting that waterway for years. They will need heavy-duty equipment to meet the city’s standards. Gary reminds Irwin that they will consult; it’s up to the Russians to heed their advice. Gary offers Irwin $10,000 to meet with the boss, Alexei, and create a plan. After Gary leaves, Hester tells Irwin to take the meeting but get the money in cash.
Irwin and Gary meet with Alexei, and he likes the plan. He lets Irwin walk around the property to examine the pollution. He offers to create guidelines within the week. Irwin and Gary meet his family at a restaurant. During their meal, Ben and Scott rib their father for not having as much money as their uncle. They go home and start their homework. However, Irwin interrupts their studies to take them to the canal for a nighttime assessment. He wants to show them how hard-working men make their money.
Irwin arrives at the canal and notices the workers moving oil drums under power lines. He gets out of his car to warn them, and two workers pull Irwin into a trailer. They hit him and take his ID. They find his car, threaten Irwin’s children, and force them to leave the vehicle. They return to Irwin. They warn him to keep his mouth shut, or he will kill them. Irwin finds his sons and walks them home. He begs them not to tell Hester. Irwin considers calling the police but changes his mind. He contacts Gary. Gary screams at Irwin for going to the canal. Alexei called him because the leader, Simeon Bogoyavich, is upset and concerned. He wants Irwin and Gary to meet him.
Gary and Irwin sit with Simeon. He wants to work with them, but he needs a sign of good faith. Gary looks around the room and sees cops protecting Simeon. He knows the police are working with Simeon. Simeon wants Gary and Irwin to pay $125,000. Gary agrees and assures Irwin he has the money. Simeon can’t wait. He orders goons to visit Irwin’s home while his family sleeps. They rearrange the furniture and take polaroids of the family sleeping. Irwin has to tell Hester the truth. She wants to contact the FBI, but Irwin fears Simeon will kill them. Can Irwin and Gary get out of this situation with their family and brotherhood intact?
This crime drama is packed with twists and turns. The film takes place in 1986. The set and costume designer chose authentic items to keep the audience entranced. The phones, glasses, and terminology match perfectly. The actors embodied their characters through accents, movements, and speech patterns. The audience feels a genuine connection to Irwin and his family. The pace gently raises the tension as Irwin works to keep his family safe and Gary tries to stay ahead of everyone. It’s the story of the tortoise and the hare. Irwin takes his time to build his wealth honestly while Gary manipulates, cheats, and steals. As they battle with the Russian mob, they don’t know Hester’s struggles. That’s the film’s most heartbreaking moment. She has no one to confide in or lean on. This film starts wonderfully, but the ending is bland. You will leave the theater wondering, ‘Was that it?’ With crime dramas, you expect The Godfather, Casino, or Juice (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). This one is a steady climb to nowhere, and it kills a wonderful film. Viewers should see this movie at the matinee price but shouldn’t expect much.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Together we build a new system for the future – Simeon
NYPD, open the door – Gary
This was a bad night. Tomorrow will be better – Irwin
I’m sorry – Hester
Share this:
Categories: adam driver, AMC Screen Unseen, In The Theater, Miles Teller, movie, Paper Tiger, review, scarlett johansson
