User reviews

The cinematography in this film is simplistic yet beautiful. The colour grade is soft and unique. It's the perfect time for a movie like this to be released to the public with everything that's happening in the world; a nice feel good, pick me up film. The larger characters in the film like Wade, Terry and Joe are balanced out by the more normalised characterisations of Rey and his love interest Holly. That being said Wade's comedic characteristics shine through the film. And Holly isn't just any simple love interest, and is played perfectly. Luke Saliba does a great job at bringing such an awkward, timid and meek character to the screen. It's a true joy to see Geelong on the big screen.

When Rey was a kid, he always had dreams of taking on the world as a professional wrestler. But in the present day, Rey (Luke Saliba) has ended up on a very different path. Rey works behind a desk selling photocopy machines along selling general stationery supplies to locals. Rey also works with his long-time best friend, Wade (John Tui), who is always quite encouraging towards Rey.

But in life Rey seems deflated and defeated. Even his best friend claims that Rey has lost his Mana. Supposing you are not familiar with the term, according to Google, Mana is the spiritual life force energy or healing power that permeates the universe in the culture of the Melanesians and Polynesians.

With Rey feeling down and lacking Mana, his friends and even his family are now all trying to help. They help by getting Rey to participate in several activities such as playing football, giving tips on how to dance and even offering advice on how to act around the ladies. One of these activities leads Rey to meet a young nurse who he wishes to pursue a new friendship with. Rey eventually questions his long-life dreams of becoming a wrestler.

Paper Champions is a feel-good comedy, and to my surprise, this film is also filled with heartfelt moments as Rey begins to rediscover himself as a grown man. The film is family-friendly, and I enjoyed how the film was able to be fun, random, witty and deliver well-timed jokes to the screen. Rey, as a character, is mainly quiet and shy, but his family and friends around him are certainly outgoing and full of energy which is perfect for Rey's current situation in life.

As a plot, I found myself quite engaged with the story and perhaps maybe even found it relatable. At no point did I find this film dull or uninteresting, and I was invested in seeing how Rey's life would turn out at the end of this film. Once I started the movie, I had to know how this film would end. It undoubtedly hooked me because of the plot and I watched this film with a smile.

Overall, this film truly surprised me. It is a heartfelt comedy about a man who has lost his way in life but has the determination to rediscover himself. The humour here is family-friendly, and I appreciated this type of witty humour. It did not take long for me to feel invested in this film based on the film's plot and characters, but also because I found the film to be fun and brainless. It's a solid Australian film and I wish we had more films like it!

6.8/10 - Walkden Entertainment

Paper Champions is a fantastic comedy film that can and should be watched by the whole family. A truly heart-warming story that brilliantly displays the town of Geelong. Highly recommend you give this film a watch!!

We watched this film as part of MIFF. We turned the lights down and got comfortable, ready for a real treat. We lasted about half an hour. The film looks quite good and you think it's going to be quirky and funny, but it is not. The device of the paper staple, which is meant to be heart warming and sweet, just does not work. The acting looks like a student film. Some of the sets are laughable. It's so boring, we turned it off.

The film started off slow and never picked up. The acting feels way too forced apart from Holly, who is the only one who seems real in the entire film. Its hard to believe a film like this can get released in the era. It seemed like a poor excuse for an 80's film a few decades late. Lazy story, scenery and costume. We watched this as part of MIFF. You can do better

Very hard to watch with zero laugh out loud moments

A must watch! Paper Champions is a gentle film well suited for current times. The film is well paced, having great comedic moments entwined within it. Cast all deliver great performances, and the dialogue seems realistic. The cinematography is a personal favourite, with a great colour grade as well!

It's not the best film out there, but it has some redeeming factors. I just think they missed the mark on all of their homages/ the 80s training montage, the "shy guy gets the girl" schtick, it just didn't have the glue that keeps it together which is a pity. It does feel a lot like a student film and the acting is terribly forced, which I think comes down to the ametuerish directing- but in the end it is a sweet story and I do still think of it from time to time. Watched as apart of MIFF

A very entertaining flick with plenty of 'laugh-out-loud' moments. It has an empathetic story with unique & colourful characters. The story moves along pretty quickly and is complemented by a dynamic yet unusual duo Rey (Luke Saliba) and Wade (John Tui) who both deliver a great performance. With soul-lifting, humorous moments throughout most scenes, I walked away from this film feeling refreshed which is a great response to a film. Simple, elegant yet captivating. Highly recommended.

Paper Champions is a feel good film that will have you smiling throughout. Loved seeing the different locations around Geelong, and the set design and costumes screamed 80's vibe. The pace of the movie isn't fast, but it moves smoothly with enough 'laugh-out-loud' moments to keep the viewer engaged. The story line is strong and easy to follow and is complimented by a cast of very quirky characters. Standout performances by Luke Saliba, Tessa De Josselin and Don Bridges. I came away from watching this movie feeling uplifted and happy. Highly recommended if you enjoy quirky Aussie movies.

Good comedy, with a fun cast. I loved all the one liners! I'm from Geelong, so I also enjoyed seeing all the locations as well. The story reminded me of the power of community and how we need each other to be our best! Recommend watching!

Paper Champions is a great Aussie comedy with plenty of laughs and heart felt moments. It's a story of self discovery, and while it explores masculinity it never assigns value to any particular expression of it, leading to a feel good flick that has a deeper meaning.

Great performances from the big names like John Tui and Gary Sweet, along with awesome work by some new faces and lesser known actors.

Great to see regional Australia represented on the big screen, a great homegrown movie!

This film is truly a wonderful story of Rey who is figuring out who he is and where he fits in the world. It brings a smile and laughter as it shows unique and lively characters.

I don't normally like Australian movies but I liked that, I really liked that! Very fun!

Paper Champions not only provides a great laugh but it is a feel good film that will have you smiling throughout. The different locations, set design and costumes had a great 80's vibe that added a sense of nostalgia. There were so many loveable characters and a outstanding performance by lead actor (Luka Saliba).

Highly recommend!

This locally produced film is a credit to all involved. Showing the pressures upon a young man called Rey and how he journeyed along his path of self discovery. Enjoyed the characters, quick one liners and quality of production. The local Geelong scenery was definitely a highlight.

A fantastic story that showcases great Australian talent with the likes of the iconic Gary sweet and extremely talented new comer Luke Saliba, if you want a light-hearted but inspiring movie. Check this one out!

A remarkable Australian comedy that the whole family can watch! Paper Champions is a story about Rey trying to find his identity as well as his manhood. It is a feel good film that will have you engaged, laughing and smiling throughout. This heart warming and hilarious film starring Luke Saliba as Rey features many talented actors including John Tui, Gary Sweet, Tessa de Josselin, Genevieve Morris and Erin Saliba. The whole cast delivers an exceptional performance especially the heartfelt friendship between Rey (Luke Saliba) and Wade (John Tui). I was counting down the days until Paper Champions was released on Netflix, and it was worth the wait! Paper Champions is the perfect option to watch for a family friendly movie night when you can't decide on what to watch! Make sure you check it out!

The Writing, the Actors, the Cinematography are Great. This film is well paced, lighthearted, and witty. My wife and I enjoyed it thoroughly! I definitely recommend.

My friends and I watched this during lockdown whilst being in two different countries and we all loved it! Great to have a laugh and a good story line to go along with all of the laugh out loud moments!

Paper_champions is Hilarious & Very family friendly. John Tui ( Commander Kruger / Shadow ranger in Power rangers SPD & Daggeron Solaris Knight Power Rangers Mystic Force)

paper_champions is about Never giving up on your dreams. Helping others & Spending time with family is important.

I Love paper_champions :)

10 Stars.

I'd been patiently waiting for weeks for this Aussie gem to come out on Netflix which was just released on the 1st of February.

Turned into a feature by writer and star Luke Saliba after creating a successful short film based around the central character Rey, an introverted and shy photocopy salesman in search of his mojo or "mana".

Rey used to dream of becoming a wrestler but as he grew older his dream seemed to disappear along with his mana. Working at a photocopier and printing company he teams up with his best mate Wade, John Tui, to get his mana back and find the girl of his dreams.

This film is full of wacky characters and hilarious moments as Rey journeys towards becoming a man. His mothers boyfriend, ex-wrestler Terry, played by Gary Sweet, mentors him towards his goal, making for some great comedy between the two.

To me the winner of the film is the relationship between the two best pals Rey and Wade. The pair make a hilarious comedy duo and Wade does a wonderful job as the supportive friend.

What I loved about this movie were the subtle moments of comedy genius, the setups (visual as well as dialogue), the punchlines, but most of all, the reactions. Rey's awkward gasps and noises were delightfully entertaining. Director Jo-Anne Brechin did a masterful job of allowing the space for each joke to land. Her vision for telling the story was executed and delivered to perfection. The soundtrack was also likeable.

You have to see this movie. It's set in Geelong but could be anywhere in Australia especially say the western suburbs of Sydney. I loved the Polynesian family in this film and the rugby game had me laughing out loud and almost waking up my neighbours.

This is definitely an Australian film, but seeing one with such a diverse cast, especially for the lead, really levels up what Australian comedy could be and can be. I want to see more diverse cast members especially in lead roles like in Paper Champions.

Well done to Luke Saliba and Erin Saliba, who plays another hilarious character, Steph, the HR lady in the office, for making this film. They have set a new standard for Independent film in Australia.

I hope they release this in the cinemas as it deserves to be up on the big screen but until then you can catch it on Netflix!

We watched this movie as a family, three generations, from 11 to 72 years old. I think we all found something we could relate to. So many laugh out loud moments. And honestly, who is not searching for some mana...

Really good and humorous film. The movie felt real and the meaning behind it is really relatable. It's a well made Aussie film which families would love:)