Paper Girls (2022) User Reviews

Just came here to say STOP SAYING IT IS A STRANGER THINGS KNOCK-OFF. It is nothing like it.

[anaraguilar · 8/10 · 7 August 2022]

The only similarity about the two shows is that the main characters are kids/pre-teens in the 80s... that's literally the only thing. Also, this comic apparently came about before Stranger Things.. so no, it is not a knock-off.

I enjoyed the show, it was more of a coming of age teen drama imo with a fun sci fi back story. Yes, time travel has been done before , but this has its original spin. I think the actors did well, and yes, they were annoying at times... but that's because they are supposed to be 12. 12 year olds are annoying.

I found this show a fun and refreshing watch.

Endearingly novel

[nancyldraper · 8/10 · 6 August 2022]

Contrary to the visual of 4 girls on bikes in the 80s, this is not a STRANGER THINGS knockoff. Even though the protagonists are 12 years old (played by 15 year olds) this is not a kids show, the language alone is child inappropriate. What this is, however, is a pretty well conceived spin on a well travelled SciFi theme. Although it is based on a mystery/science graphic novel serie,s written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang, where the comic was more an action adventure, the movie is more relational drama, thanks to the chemistry between the four fine actors who inhabit the main characters. It speaks a lot to who we are, our hopes and dreams for ourselves and our futures. That's not to say there isn't a persistent thriller vibe and a real obstacle to overcome. Loved the characters and their performances. Loved the story arc. Loved the poignant moments. I give this series an 8 (endearingly novel) out of 10. {SciFi Mystery Drama}

Boy... that Escalated Quickly

[jjenk911 · 8/10 · 6 August 2022]

First off, I didn't know this was based off of a comic series until I read the credit. Second, this show went NUTS. Four pre-teen girls a paper route hours after Halloween, talking about social issues, and they get into some hot water with some STF (originally thought Step-over Toehold Facelock because of my wrestling brain), sparks fly from a breaker box, the sky goes pink, and they somehow transported to 2019 in, what I'm assuming, is an alternate timeline. People from the Old Watch want them dead because they did illegal time traveling.

And that's all in the first episode.

I'm skipping over stuff, but I'm enjoying this insane TV show. Hopefully there's a season 2.

A review said it's woke, how? Great show!

[brumsy · 10/10 · 29 July 2022]

Also, this comic came out before stranger things. So, it's not a copy and paste of stranger things. It does not need to be compared. It's a great show on its own and I love it so far.

How is this woke? Because it has female leads? That's how the comic was written. I promise you, not everything you see is woke.

Give it a chance

[ogmore-59394 · 8/10 · 29 July 2022]

The comics came before stranger things for everyone who starts their review with this comparison.

The actors are perfect for their roles The colours and tones of the show aren't cheap.. They are a replication of the comic tone and style.

More a female "coming of age" film.

[bdickens-55411 · 7/10 · 1 August 2022]

Should not be compared to "Stranger Things" completely different genre. The cast is great, if at times the characters are annoying. The time wars thing was very secondary to the overall series. Still worth watching and you are always wanting to know what is going to happen next. A Saturday matinee type of thing.

How is this show so poorly rated?

[josephbannister · 9/10 · 29 July 2022]

Taking a glance at the guide for episodes you can see that ratings are much higher and well deserved. I am 7 episodes in and I'm hooked, you can't compare this to stranger things they 2 completely differently themed projects. Paper girls is an emotional drama/Sci fi with elements of horror. Honestly it had me in tears at a few moments so far in, especially in regards to macs fate and her aware of it and being self aware of that is a horror story in itself. So give the show a chance and you'll get emotionally invested in it as I have.

A great watch

[samanthambushby · 9/10 · 29 July 2022]

Just binged half of this with my son in one sitting and we both enjoyed it alot. The story is intriguing and really packs an emotional punch. Excellent child actors too.

A good show that probably will keep getting better!

[aciarleglio-1 · 7/10 · 31 July 2022]

I am enjoying the show so far. At episode 4 and will continue to watch. First off, it is nothing like Stranger things in plot other than taking place partially in the 80's and with kids that have bicycles. All kids in the 80's rode bikes. So it makes perfect sense.

I love the sci-fi feel which is surrounded by mystery and time travel. Look forward to the adventures growing in scale. I'm not working one for being negative on a show just because not everything is how I want it to be! That being said the few things that I personally feel would make me love the show more would be stronger 80' nostalgia. They sort of have it, but... it doesn't quite feel like the 80's during the 80's. Nor do the other times feel strong representing those time periods either. Kind of feels like they cut the budget low on atmosphere a bit. My only actual complaint and this hopefully will be much improved by seasons end/season two is the characters/actors timing with each other. Not a deal breaker, but to me the kids lines often feel like they are just blurting them out to everyone rather than actually engaging each other specifically in conversation. Sometimes feels like they are just try to get through a long run on sentence and their eye contact or lack of it is weird sometimes. Other than those points really enjoying the show hopefully it gets renewed!

Brilliantly done

[pachanga-13349 · 8/10 · 31 July 2022]

Watched in 3 days. Great job to see girls taking the lead.

Good fun, realistic, tension

Each character meeting it's future self was the key.

There will clearly be a series 2.

I'm 59 year old white male if that makes any difference.

CANCELLED

[gnogueiras · 7/10 · 19 June 2023]

Seeing it was an Amazon Original i didnt bother to check if it was cancelled, i just started watching yesterday, only to find out today it WAS cancelled two months after it aired.

Amazon should put a warning on series that are cancelled.

I rarely watch new series only after it has 3 o more seasons because its really not worthy anymore, and cancelling series with good revies from critics and/or viewers feel rushed, every series, good or bad, should be given a proper ending.

I wouldnt mind watching a series with only one season it if it has an ENDING and no cliffhangers.

Not all stories should be 3+ seasons, but the ENDING part is the important part.

Is this meant to be a comedy?

[tdorgan · 4/10 · 17 September 2022]

If the writers took the profane language out of this, it would be better suited for children, which in my opinion, should be the target audience. Suited for an afternoon viewing on Nikelodeon perhaps.

Although the story is not at all simplistic, it appears a bit basic to be honest, plus a little over dramatic at times. It is easy to forget that the characters are 12 year old girls, so you'd be forgiven for thinking that some really dumb decisions were made on their part.

Still, some of the characters (12 year old girls) are so annoying, and there is a lot of overacting.

I wanted to like this series, it looked promising, and has had many good reviews here, but really, I felt like I wasted my time seeing the whole 8 episodes out. And it seems that the series has been cancelled. Oh well..

Surpringly well adapted

[nkeehr · 8/10 · 29 July 2022]

I was confused when I saw this as a TV series since the graphic novels don't seem easily adaptable. However, it seems to work and the changes made somehow make the storyline flow better. The 4 lead actresses were very well casted; they're exactly as I imagined when reading the books. The adult cast is... meh. I'm sad Tiffany's husband wasn't written as goth like in the book (that is one the change that shouldn't have been done).

This tv series could've increased the black humor a tad more to match the comics.

Also, another vote here for people to stop complaining about a book (turned tv) series supposedly go into the future to steal the Strangers Things idea. Good grief. This show tells the story without the obnoxious, in your face 80s pop culture references.

Really Enjoyable!

[bcirilli · 8/10 · 3 August 2022]

What a refreshing show to watch 4 female leads that aren't wishing that someone will save them. They say you know what we'll figure it out ourselves if need be. I love that these characters are so different and versatile & you get to go on this journey with them on finding out who they are. Is the future fated or do we choose our own destiny? Interesting question beautifully put together with 4 young actresses!

5 episodes in

[Chrispearce2 · 6/10 · 30 July 2022]

And I'm finding it slow going. Lots of dialogue that isn't really shifting the plot forward. I'm not sure how anyone can rate this as a ten. It's not great but it's not bad either.

Underrated

[arjyamores-04122 · 10/10 · 31 July 2022]

This show gets you right from the first episode. Baffles me to the low ratings as it definitely is honor roll or in the high 8s from its overall high bar it sets with the overall pieces it takes to get a show like this out. The young lead actors couldn't have been more perfect with their acting and depth. The writing and directing of the series is groundbreaking and it seems to have been led with females at the helm for the most part. It felt like one long movie with a high budget. Promising future this series will have. Truly the first show I have binge watched from start to finish as I just couldn't stop. Magnificent.

Fun comic translates poorly to the screen

[Muxje · 6/10 · 29 July 2022]

The premise behind this show is interesting enough, but the writers did a poor job adapting it for TV. I think it has mostly to do with poor writing when it comes to the characters.

The actors do their best with what they've been given, but that isn't much. The kids are given the full range of emotions that's expected from kids in shows like this, which means they have three settings: belligerence, sass, and angst. Such exaggeration works in comics, but on the screen it results in flat and unlikeable characters with dialogue that sounds rather forced.

Maybe things will pick up further in the season, or in the next one. For now, try the comic this was based on.

Time travel, mechas, girl power

[Cheshire47 · 8/10 · 29 July 2022]

Very entertaining! I really like this tv series, it's interesting to watch all protagonists judge themselves on what they've become. A must Watch. I wasn't sure at the beginning but it captured my attention from the get go, I also like that all the characters personalities are so different and yet they do get along (most of the time).

Had so much potential

[tscallah · 7/10 · 11 August 2022]

This has some great qualities and a good story line. It sometimes gets lost with really annoying and pointless arguing between the girls along with the know it all judgemental arguments these kids have with their future selves. It happens waaaaay too often and deters from the plot. I just feel like fast forwarding to the relevant parts sometimes. Like I said, it had potential but too much pointless filler.

Girls stick together!

[brendasmpt · 9/10 · 30 July 2022]

I enjoy the development of the girls as friends and how fiercely they protect each other by the end of the first season. I'm hoping there is a season 2 to see where the story line goes. It's a fun binge watch if you have the time to do it.

Do they know how old twelve is

[cartercritchie · 7/10 · 1 August 2022]

These kids look at least 16 clearly the directors don't have kids it's a good show though the plot is good should've spent more time in the 80s. The future is cool though it's not a bad show definitely worth watching.

"Stranger Things" meets "Dark"

[omaralahmadi-22425 · 3/10 · 30 July 2022]

Definitely one of the best shows in this year!

Literally I finished it in one day, so you get how great it is.

..

Acting was great the four girls really nailed it.

Storyline was perfect. For those who enjoyed stranger things or dark you MUST WATCH IT!!

Its a fun watch

[davidcrocha · 10/10 · 29 July 2022]

Seriously, people are negativating this and dont even bother to watch. Saying is based on evil comic or its a stranger things wannabe... Netflix fanboys are the worst.

I love it. Ignore the negative reviews

[nancybijlhout-12907 · 9/10 · 30 July 2022]

No, the show does not "groom" and is not "woke". Being gay is nothing special and the people on here who claim that featuring a gay character constitutes grooming need to leave their basements once in a blue moon. Your precious Stranger Things has a gay character but just because it remains unspoken it's all good. This is not ST and it does not try to be. It's a great show on its own merits. It's contemplative, considerate, grown up while simultaneously being a fun ride. It maybe has a smaller budget but that does not diminish the viewing pleasure/experience. And it's funny! To allow a comparison: Paper Girls uses a brush to paint a picture while Stranger Things uses a bazooka.

Let's See How It Goes!

[Maxax777 · 6/10 · 29 July 2022]

Editing my initial review - I've watched four episodes now. It's not bad - but it does drag. Starts off pretty good but then drags...who makes stuff like this?!? Why would you let things languish, drag out, get stale - you should watch what your making - and keep the pace fun and interesting! - ORIGINAL REVIEW: Okay - I'm only one episode in - but I really enjoyed the first episode - so we'll see how it goes - but it started off good! I'll re-review as I go! First episode was fun though!