Paper Planes (2014)

Paper Planes takes a small, wonderfully simple idea—a kid folding hope into a scrap of paper—and lets it soar into something genuinely moving. It’s the kind of family film that earns its warmth, blending easygoing humor with a tender undercurrent of grief and perseverance, so the smiles feel honest rather than manufactured. The performances keep it grounded and endearing, while the gentle momentum of Dylan’s journey turns self-doubt and bullying into obstacles you can root against without the movie ever turning mean-spirited. If you’re allergic to earnest, feel-good storytelling, it may be a touch sweet—but if you want a charming, uplifting watch that leaves you lighter than it found you, this one lands beautifully.

Paper Planes is aiming for a sweet, crowd-pleasing family underdog story, using paper-plane competitions as a wholesome hook and a gentle message about confidence. The problem is it often plays like a checklist: familiar beats, stereotyped characters, and dialogue that can feel stiff enough to blunt the emotion it’s reaching for. The pacing is relaxed to the point of bland, and Sam Worthington’s role may not add the spark some viewers expect. If you’re an adult looking for sharp writing or surprises, this may feel too simplistic, but for kids or families who just want something safe, earnest, and easy to watch, it does the job.