The Paper Tigers

Name: The Paper Tigers
Genre: Action, Comedy
Released: May 7, 2021
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 67
Cast: Alain Uy, Gui DaSilva-Greene, Jae Suh Park, Ken Quitugua, Matthew Page

2021

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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The Paper Tigers

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Movie Details & Credits

Well Go USA Entertainment | Release Date: May 7, 2021 | PG-13

Starring: Alain Uy, Gui DaSilva-Greene, Jae Suh Park, Ken Quitugua, Matthew Page, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Peter Adrian Sudarso, Roger Yuan, Ron Yuan, Yoshi Sudarso, Yuji Okumoto

Summary: As teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan) and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring—and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts or childhood best friends. But when their oldAs teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan) and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring—and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts or childhood best friends. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges (and a dangerous hitman still armed with ample knee cartilage) if they are to honorably defend his legacy.… Expand

Director: Quoc Bao Tran

Genre(s): Action, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 108 min

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Critic Reviews

Andrew Crump

May 5, 2021

The realness Tran weaves into his story is welcome, but the smart filmmaking is what makes The Paper Tigers a delight from start to finish. Read full review

Alan Ng

May 5, 2021

The Paper Tigers presents a fresh take on an old genre. Read full review

IndieWire David Ehrlich

May 6, 2021

Tran’s debut feature delivers a ton of charm for a kung fu throwback, and kicks a lot of ass for a broad comedy about some old guys relearning how to honor each other and fight for themselves. Read full review

Michael Ordoña

May 5, 2021

Paper Tigers may not be a deep comment on aging or friendship, but it has enough humor and action to make it worth a few rounds. Read full review

Richard Whittaker

May 6, 2021

Tran undoubtedly aims for an old school Hong Kong comedy martial arts movie feel, lighthearted and light on its feet, and he lands that blow dead on. But rather than a knockout punch, it's a tickle on the ribs and a tussling of the hair from this sweet and funny action flick. Read full review

The Film Stage Jared Mobarak

May 5, 2021

Picking one direction and sticking to it may have served the whole better, but at least these issues can be dismissed as hiccups more than deal-breakers. They hold it back without sinking it. Credit the actors for this truth because they ensure the fun never ends. Read full review

Bob Strauss

May 5, 2021

Undergirding it all is a light but ever present tension between living up to the philosophy the men were taught as teenagers and making their way through the realities and compromises of American adulthood. Tran’s not preachy about that, but the filmmaker’s killer move is showing how his heroes’ souls can be as fragile as their aging bones, yet resilient when the situation demands. Read full review

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User Reviews

Boltjace210

Jan 29, 2023

This movie is full of fun and great martial arts scenes, the action is some of the best I seen in a while I highly recommend this movie

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Lambo442

Jul 7, 2021

This is a really solid martial arts comedy with good performances and I found it very entertaining. It has a light hearted feel about it and the characters are likeable and memorable. It's verging on being a spoof with some of the zany comedy going on. It really makes fun of the genre whilstThis is a really solid martial arts comedy with good performances and I found it very entertaining. It has a light hearted feel about it and the characters are likeable and memorable. It's verging on being a spoof with some of the zany comedy going on. It really makes fun of the genre whilst paying it homage and also has well choreographed and visceral fights. There are one or two bits that were so cool they gave me goosebumps. The premise is very good too and provides and a lot of comedic value, even making the film quite unique. I'd probably watch it again, I really loved it… Expand

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Dubeau

May 8, 2021

Paper Tigers is not a bad movie. The story is charming and touching. You kind of dig for the guys to succeed, which is a good thing for a movie. The ending felt half done like they didn't have any budget to go further and closed some loose ends. The acting is pretty solid from the 3 mainPaper Tigers is not a bad movie. The story is charming and touching. You kind of dig for the guys to succeed, which is a good thing for a movie. The ending felt half done like they didn't have any budget to go further and closed some loose ends. The acting is pretty solid from the 3 main characters but kind of average for the rest. It's not a super funny movie, more like a smiling/smart humorous kind of. The fighting is really good. I give it 72%. I was pleasantly surprise because I had no expectation for that movie. It's not pretentious and gives you a realistic view on aging in the process.… Expand

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