Charlyne Yi doesn’t believe in love, or at least Charlyne Yi playing herself in the new film from the awkward yet endearing comedian called Paper Heart doesn’t believe in love. The premise of the movie is Yi filming a documentary about her lack of belief in love, accompanied by Jake Johnson playing actual director Nicholas Jasenovec, traveling across the US (and world) to interview everyone from biologists to married couples to children about what love is.
Intertwined into the filming of Yi’s documentary is her own story about possibly finding love, with one time actual boyfriend Michael Cera (also playing himself believe it or not). Cera is every bit as hilariously uncomfortable as he has become loved for in movies like Superbad and, my personal favorite, the too soon canceled Arrested Development. While at times the relationship between Yi and Cera seems forced, that doesn’t detract from the affection you start to feel for Yi.
Paper Heart is more than just a vehicle for Charlyne Yi, who is hilarious playing herself; it’s a story about growing and learning. It’s about the risks we take for the people we care for and I would recommend it to just about anyone.
On a side note, I saw this movie at what may be my favorite Movie Theater in the city, the Leawood Theater on 95th and Mission. Tucked behind a strip mall is a small vintage movie theater that looks almost unaltered since the 1960s. Small screens and yellow draped fabric walls add to the movie going experience. Not to mention posters of movie stars from Hollywood’s golden age and instead of ads playing over loud speakers you hear classic movie soundtracks. It’s a refreshing departure from the throngs of people, giant movie theaters, and lack of aesthetic in modern multiplexes. If you’ve yet to catch a movie there why not check out Paper Heart (not to mention they show a ton of limited releases and they’re local!)