DiXiE FiLM FeSTiVaL 2009

'Paper Boys' is a coming-of-age film in the strictest sense but more; it is an exploration of a microcosm of young door-to-door newspaper salesmen who are closer than most families in many regards. A truly ensemble piece, the film revolves around a common problem for teens which most often feels unique but isn't, dysfunctional, non-traditional family. Add to this violence, psychological abuse, confusion over sexuality and a fierce awareness of one's own economic standing, the main character turns to drugs and finds himself in a tailspin while his friends have no idea how to handle it. False bravado and hyper-sexuality amplified by drugs and painful circumstances, gives us a recipe for a rich juxtaposition of comedy and potential tragedy. The soundtrack creates a relentless ride which leaves one emotionally exhausted from laughter and tears.Best friends Sean and Steve are members of a door-to-door newspaper sales crew. They and several other friends share a world most have never experienced, joined at the hip nightly as they cruise suburban neighborhoods with their mentor, Ray, who finds them more family than employees. The film considers sales as a metaphor for life and they all discover that each of us meets a different set of objections to the sale. One of the more experienced boys shares, 'Life is jus sales man... a series of controlled failures leading to a few successes.'Sean discovers his life has presented him with more stumbling blocks than most face. Will he handle them well?