As a guy that watching “The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross” daily, I knew that PAINT was a film that I needed to see for sure. Owen Wilson has always been a favorite of mine, even dating back to “Bottle Rocket” days (anyone remember that one?). Although this has nothing to Bob Ross, I am sure that the inspiration for Carl Nargle doesn’t steer far, especially with that signature perm and Carl’s gentle whisper while speaking to his audience.
PAINT is written and directed by Brit McAdams, whose credits include “Katt Williams: American Hustle” and TV series “Tosh.0” and that’s about it. Besides Owen Wilson (“Wedding Crashers”), the film co-stars Michaela Watkins (“Werewolves Within”), Wendi McLendon-Covey (“The Goldbergs”), Ciara Renee (Hawkgirl from CW’s “Arrowverse”), Lusia Strus (“50 First Dates”) and Stephen Root (“Office Space”). No shortage of talent that’s for sure.
Official Premise: In PAINT, Owen Wilson portrays Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public television painter who 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.
Owen Wilson doesn’t disappoint but this “comedy” overall feels a little to dry for me personally. I definitely would call this more a dramedy if anything. What saves it for me is it’s tight 96 minute run time. It doesn’t waste any time. I really wanted to love this but alas I just didn’t fall in love with it. The beginning starts off solid, the middle lost me but the ending was decent for sure. So I guess you can say this one is a bit uneven. I would call this a one-timer, not likely to watch again but didn’t hate it.
3 out of 5 stars
