THE PAPERBOY (2012)

Cast

Plot

Loosely based on Pete Dexter's novel set during the Civil Rights era, Lee Daniels' follow-up to surprise Oscar nominee Precious is a genuine curio: asweaty slice of Southern-Fried pulp, with an ensemble castheaded by an eye-catchingNicole Kidman as white trash sexpot Charlotte,ostensibly centring onher quest to exonerate her death row-bound pen-palbeau. As a film, it's as much of a hot mess as its lead female character: all gaudy visuals, tonal inconsistencies andflippant transgressiveness, though one suspects under the right conditions (specifically: late at night, with a fridge full of beers and a veryopen mind), it might just bear the makings of a camp classic. (JB)