Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 (3 out of 5 stars)
In Kimmy Gatewood’s “Good on Paper,” comedian Andrea Singer (played by Iliza Shlesinger) finds herself entangled in an unlikely friendship with Dennis (Ryan Hansen), a hedge fund manager she meets at the airport. What starts as a well-meaning encounter soon takes a dark turn.
Andrea claims she only sees Dennis as a friend, but he manages to work his way into her life. Andrea ignores the warning signs that her friend Margot (Margaret Cho) has pointed out as their romantic relationship progresses.
“Good on Paper” plays like a mystery, yet ultimately reveals who the bad guy is. Shlesinger’s deadpan voiceover and intercut stand-up footage keep the film snappy and funny.
Andrea is not afraid to call out everyone’s BS, even that of a well-practiced sociopath. When she ultimately confronts Dennis, it is a cathartic moment for both the heroine and the audience.
Ryan Hansen’s Dennis is sweet when Andrea is bitter, and honest when she is jaded.
The film successfully makes Andrea feel terrible about her strong defensive instincts.
