Owen Wilson channels the legendary Bob Ross as Carl Nargle, a soft-spoken and bushy-permed Vermont public television artist. Paint has the whispering lothario entrancing audiences for decades with his cozy interpretations of the picturesque Mount Mansfield. Women, especially employees, lustily desire sofa bedtime in the back of his '70s van resplendent with soft Portuguese flannel and a hint of radiator fluid. Carl's time as the station's biggest draw is threatened by a vivacious and talented new personality. Paint's powder dry delivery, goofy costumes, and sexually charged storyline may have you laughing out loud. But admittedly, the subtle humor isn't for everyone.
Carl gently breezes into the studio with pipe in hand to film a new episode. Director Tony Krut (Stephen Root) makes sure everything is ready for their star performer. Stagehands Wendy (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Beverly (Lusia Strus) gaze lovingly as new intern Jenna (Lucy Freyer) waits to collect his prized painting. Only Katherine (Michaela Watkins), the assistant general manager and Carl's ex-girlfriend, remains unfazed by his alluring aura. A montage follows of transfixed viewers in nursing homes and bars.
Jenna eagerly asks Carl to dinner at the local fondue restaurant. She wants a visit to "vantastic" and hopefully a treasured portrait as well. Wendy and Beverly stew with jealousy as they remember their steamy van rides. Carl isn't enthusiastic as they eat cheese-dipped goodness. He flashbacks to 22 years prior when he dated Katherine. Jenna ruins the memory with a cold truth. Katherine cheated and dumped him.
A Shocking Surprise
Carl's next day at work has a shocking surprise. Tony has hired Ambrosia (Ciara Renée) to host another painting program directly after him. She also paints nature but adds in a bloodthirsty UFO element. It turns out that viewership and funds have precipitously dropped. Ambrosia's daring artwork performs as expected with a ratings bonanza. The rising star, much to Carl's chagrin, then sets her amorous sights on pursuing Katherine.
Don't worry, Bob Ross fans. Director/writer Brit McAdams (Katt Williams: American Hustle, Tosh.0) doesn't sully the revered painter as a predatory womanizer. Wilson portrays Carl as sweet and gentle but entitled. His reign as Vermont's most popular painter brought groupies and an inflated ego. A subplot reveals it's mostly a front. Carl desperately wants to be seen as a serious artist whose works are displayed in a premiere institution ... the Burlington Museum of Art. He knows that Ambrosia's paintings are good. She forces him to confront fears of inadequacy and the loss of his beloved Katherine.
The film's loaded with hanky-panky, but not in a lewd or gratuitous way. There's no nudity or cursing. All the naughty business is suggestive and implied. It's obviously improper for Carl to date underlings. Part of the comedy is that they feverishly chase him. He also gets comeuppance in this regard from the libidinous Ambrosia. The constant stream of lady lovers going back to her parent's house is hilarious. It's a sly contrast to Carl's hippie van shenanigans.
Understated Humor
Paint will have detractors. A thin plot relies on sight gags and a veteran ensemble cast to amplify the script's understated humor. McAdams' relaxed approach won't appeal to those expecting a boisterous interpretation of Bob Ross. This reviewer found it entertaining and respectfully satirical of a pop culture icon.
Paint is a production of Blue Creek Pictures, Silver Lining Entertainment, and White Birch Films. It will have a theatrical release on April 7th from IFC Films.