Good on Paper

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 23, 2021

Genre
Romantic Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Iliza Shlesinger as Andrea Singer
• Ryan Hansen as Dennis Kelly
• Margaret Cho as Margot
• Rebecca Rittenhouse as Serrena Halstead
• Matt McGorry as Brett

Director
Kimmy Gatewood

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut in feature films
• Known for directing episodes of GLOW (2017-2019)

Producer
David Bernon, Paul Bernon, Iliza Shlesinger

Writer
Iliza Shlesinger

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Burn Later Productions, Universal Pictures

Running Time
92 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-MA

Content Advisory

• Language
• Sexual content
• Adult themes

Movie Story
Good on Paper is a sharp and witty romantic comedy that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The film, written by and starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger, is inspired by her real-life experiences with a deceptive relationship. The story follows Andrea Singer, a stand-up comedian and actress who has always put her career first, leaving little time for love. That changes when she meets Dennis Kelly, a seemingly perfect guy who appears to have it all—he’s charming, successful, and, as the title suggests, “good on paper.”

However, as Andrea and Dennis’s relationship deepens, she starts to notice inconsistencies in his stories and background. With the help of her best friend Margot, Andrea embarks on a mission to uncover the truth about Dennis, leading to a series of humorous and cringe-worthy moments as they unravel his lies. The film explores the theme of trust in relationships and the dangers of overlooking red flags when someone seems too good to be true.

Iliza Shlesinger brings her comedic timing and sharp observational humor to the role of Andrea, making the character relatable and engaging. Ryan Hansen portrays Dennis with a mix of charm and suspicion, keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions. Margaret Cho’s role as the supportive and sarcastic best friend Margot adds an extra layer of humor to the film.

Good on Paper cleverly satirizes the tropes of romantic comedies while also delivering a story that feels fresh and relevant, particularly in its commentary on modern dating and the pitfalls of putting appearances above reality.

Special Effects
The film does not rely on special effects, instead focusing on dialogue and character interactions to drive the narrative. The simplicity of the production allows the humor and story to take center stage, with the cinematography capturing the lively and contemporary feel of Los Angeles, where the film is set.

Box Office Performance
Good on Paper was released on Netflix, making it accessible to a wide audience. It quickly gained popularity on the platform, particularly among fans of Iliza Shlesinger’s stand-up comedy. The film performed well as a streaming title, benefiting from Shlesinger’s established fan base.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “He’s good on paper, but is he good in real life?” – Margot
• “Love isn’t blind. It’s just selective hearing.” – Andrea Singer

Behind-the-Scenes
Good on Paper is based on Iliza Shlesinger’s personal experiences, which she shared during her stand-up routines. The project was a passion project for Shlesinger, who wanted to bring her story to the screen with humor and authenticity. This is Kimmy Gatewood’s directorial debut in a feature film, and she worked closely with Shlesinger to ensure the film maintained a balance between comedy and the more serious themes of deception and trust.

Awards

• No notable awards.

Final Verdict
Good on Paper is a delightful and funny take on modern dating, filled with sharp humor and a story that many will find relatable. Iliza Shlesinger’s comedic talents shine through, making this a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies that offer a fresh perspective. While the film sticks to familiar genre conventions, its unique voice and the real-life inspiration behind it set it apart from other rom-coms.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10