Is Paint Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Paint is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Paint Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, Paint emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public television painter, 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Paint attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Paint features a noteworthy lineup led by Owen Wilson . Supported by the likes of Michaela Watkins and Wendi McLendon-Covey , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Paint (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Paint Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Paint is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public television painter, 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. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Paint Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Paint attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Paint reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Paint?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Paint Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $811.5K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Paint
- Owen Wilson – Carl Nargle
- Michaela Watkins – Katherine
- Wendi McLendon-Covey – Wendy
- Ciara Renée – Ambrosia
- Lusia Strus – Beverly
Top Highlights
Owen WilsonCarl Nargle
Michaela WatkinsKatherine
Wendi McLendon-CoveyWendy
Ciara RenéeAmbrosia
Lusia StrusBeverly
Stephen RootTony
Lucy FreyerJenna
Denny DillonPBS Host
Evander Duck Jr.Reuben
Elisabeth Henry-MacariBridget
Where to Watch Paint Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Zee5
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Paint is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Paint stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paint movie hit or flop?
Paint has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Paint worth watching?
Paint is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Paint online?
Paint may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Paint Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Paint
Paint is a film that unfortunately falls flat in many areas. The screenplay is extremely generic and lacks any originality, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. The pacing is also strange and inconsistent, which detracts from any potential emotional moments. Furthermore, the comedic aspect of the film was terrible, with jokes that felt forced and never elicited any laughter. While the influence from Bob Ross is evident, the decision to paint him as a misogynistic womanizer just felt wrong and took away from the overall experience. In terms of performances, there is nothing particularly special to note. Owen Wilson does his best to portray the Bob Ross character and his comedic timing is impressive, but unfortunately, the weak screenplay doesn't allow him to fully shine. It's a shame because Wilson has proved himself to be a talented actor in the past, but even he can't salvage this film. The direction of the movie is absent, and it feels like there was little creativity put into the production. As mentioned earlier, the pacing is inconsistent and makes the film feel bland and tedious to watch. The 90-minute runtime is not particularly long, but I found myself counting down the seconds until it was over. In conclusion, Paint is a movie that misses the mark in almost every aspect. The screenplay is generic and lacks originality, the comedic aspect falls flat, the performances are nothing special, and the direction is absent. With its weird pacing and lack of creativity, the film is hard to watch, and there is nothing to make up for the terrible experience it provides. Score: 28% Verdict: Bad
MORE SPOILER-FREE MINI-REVIEWS @ www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/mini-reviews-2023-edition PAINT is... hum... I don't know. It's always entertaining to see Owen Wilson perform, and the actor shows he hasn't lost his iconic charm. Definitely a humorous flick, but it really didn't do anything for me. Overlong, aimless, and simply not engaging, at all. I'm not surprised it was overlooked by the vast majority of film lovers. Shoutout to one VERY cool shot of a mountain painted in a barn! Rating: C-
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