Is The Paperboy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Paperboy is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Paperboy Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1994, The Paperboy emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A homicidal twelve-year-old paperboy becomes obsessed with a woman and her daughter next-door, and he'll do anything to make his fantasy of the "perfect family" come alive. Unlike standard genre fare, The Paperboy attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Paperboy features a noteworthy lineup led by Alexandra Paul . Supported by the likes of Marc Marut and Brigid Tierney , 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 Paperboy (1994) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Paperboy Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Paperboy is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Paperboy Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Paperboy attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Paperboy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Paperboy?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Paperboy Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Paperboy Budget
The estimated production budget for The Paperboy is $2.0M. 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 Paperboy
- Alexandra Paul – Melissa Thorpe
- Marc Marut – Johnny McFarley
- Brigid Tierney – Cammie Thorpe
- Frances Bay – Mrs. Rosemont
- William Katt – Brian
Top Highlights
Alexandra PaulMelissa Thorpe
Marc MarutJohnny McFarley
Brigid TierneyCammie Thorpe
Frances BayMrs. Rosemont
William KattBrian
Krista ErricksonDiana
Barry FlatmanMr. McFarley
Karyn DwyerBrenda
Jenny CampbellTiffany
James RaeTravis
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Paperboy has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Horror, Thriller), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Paperboy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1994 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Paperboy movie hit or flop?
The Paperboy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.4/10 and lower collections.
Is The Paperboy worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.4/10, The Paperboy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Paperboy online?
The Paperboy 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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Critic Reviews for The Paperboy
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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.
