Today’s quick review: Paper Moon. As part of a con, traveling grifter Moses Pray (Ryan O’Neal) agrees to take Addie Loggins (Tatum O’Neal), a young girl who just lost her mother, to live with her aunt in Missouri. What seems like a simple detour to drop the girl off turns into an extended partnership when Addie reveals an aptitude for con artistry. As Missouri draws near, Moses and Addie must decide whether their partnership will be a permanent one.
Paper Moon is a crime comedy about an unlikely duo of con artists. Taking place in the 1930s, Paper Moon features black-and-white photography and a seemingly authentic setting. The film imitates the wholesome flavor of classic cinema, but with just enough of an edge to make it distinct. Two strong leads and a charming story make Paper Moon a pleasant watch. However, its loose plot and subdued humor may not appeal to certain viewers.
The heart of the movie is the relationship between Addie and Moses. Moses agrees to drive Addie across the country for a quick buck, but she proves to be both smarter and harder to get rid of than he originally planned. Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, father and daughter in real life, match each other perfectly. The two have the same stubborn streak and the same cleverness, alternately butting heads and pooling their talents for dazzlingly effective cons.
Paper Moon is a road movie that follows Addie and Moses across the country. The story focuses more on its characters than any end goal, but two episodes stand out: a run-in with a bootlegger later in the movie and a prolonged dalliance with Trixie Delight (Madeline Kahn), an exotic dancer who sees Moses as a free meal ticket. Throughout it all, Paper Moon delivers a steady stream of gags that make the most of its main characters.
Watch Paper Moon when you’re in the mood for a comedy in the classic style. Two talented leads, a warm sense of humor, and skillful writing result in a movie that is fun, enduring, and even touching. Still, its charms are dependent taste, and the wrong viewer won’t get much from it. For another classic con movie, check out The Sting. For a more dramatic take on a similar premise, try Matchstick Men. For the hitman equivalent, try The Professional.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for great leads and a solid sense of humor; your score will vary.