RATING★ 6.6/10
VERDICT HIT
The Paper (1994) movie backdrop
The Paper (1994) movie poster

The Paper Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.6/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
1994112 minComedy, Drama
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

The Paper

The Paper Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Paper is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Drama genre.

Is The Paper Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Paper is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.

It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.6/10 226 votes
112Minutes
1994Release Year
Visual Story
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The Paper Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1994, The Paper emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Henry Hackett is the workaholic editor of a New York City tabloid. Unlike standard genre fare, The Paper 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 The Paper features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Keaton . Supported by the likes of Robert Duvall and Glenn Close , 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 The Paper (1994) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

The Paper Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Paper is a Comedy, Drama 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.

The Paper Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Paper concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 The Paper reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Paper?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

The Paper Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $6.0M
Worldwide Gross $48.4M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Paper Budget

The estimated production budget for The Paper is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Full Cast & Crew of The Paper

  • Michael Keaton – Henry Hackett
  • Robert Duvall – Bernie White
  • Glenn Close – Alicia Clark
  • Marisa Tomei – Martha Hackett
  • Randy Quaid – Michael McDougal

Top Highlights

Michael Keaton
Michael KeatonHenry Hackett
Robert Duvall
Robert DuvallBernie White
Glenn Close
Glenn CloseAlicia Clark
Marisa Tomei
Marisa TomeiMartha Hackett
Randy Quaid
Randy QuaidMichael McDougal
Jason Alexander
Jason AlexanderMarion Sandusky
Catherine O'Hara
Catherine O'HaraSusan
Jason Robards
Jason RobardsGraham Keighley
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Siobhan Fallon HoganLisa
Jill Hennessy
Jill HennessyDeanne White

Where to Watch The Paper Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
The Paper is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Paper stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1994 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Paper movie hit or flop?

The Paper has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Paper worth watching?

The Paper is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Paper online?

The Paper 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.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Paper

How The Paper Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Paper

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
The Paper
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-paper-12280" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Paper</div></div></a>

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