🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Kimmy Gatewood
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10 (15K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A comedian meets a dude who lies about everything, leading to a hilarious and slightly unhinged revenge plot involving billboards and questionable courtroom antics.
🍿 Good on Paper: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: Andrea’s Dating Struggles
Andrea, a dedicated stand-up comedian, has prioritized her career over her love life for years. She finds it challenging to find a genuine connection amidst the superficiality of the dating scene in Los Angeles. Her best friend, Margot, provides unwavering support and comedic relief as Andrea navigates the dating world.

Meeting Dennis: Too Good to Be True?
Andrea meets Dennis, a seemingly perfect guy who checks all the boxes: he’s smart, successful, and genuinely interested in her. Dennis impresses Andrea with his Ivy League education and his work as a hedge fund manager. Their relationship quickly progresses, and Andrea starts to believe she has finally found ‘the one.’

Unraveling the Truth: Lies and Deception
As Andrea delves deeper into the relationship, she notices inconsistencies in Dennis’ stories. With Margot’s help, she begins to investigate Dennis’ background and discovers a web of lies. They uncover that he is not who he claims to be and has fabricated significant parts of his life.

Confrontation and Aftermath
Andrea confronts Dennis about his lies, leading to a dramatic and painful breakup. She processes her emotions through her stand-up comedy, turning her experience into material. The film culminates in a unique form of justice and public humiliation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Andrea (Iliza Shlesinger): A stand-up comedian who prioritizes her career but falls for a man who seems too good to be true.
- Dennis (Ryan Hansen): The seemingly perfect man who woos Andrea with a fabricated persona and impressive lies.
- Margot (Margaret Cho): Andrea’s close friend who provides unwavering support and a dose of cynicism.
- Serrena (Rebecca Rittenhouse): A woman connected to Dennis’s past who reveals his deception.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Andrea: “For me, this story was not about love at first sight.” – Andrea says this at the beginning of the movie setting the stage for a story that isn’t a typical romance.
- Andrea: “If he checks all your boxes, check again.” – This tagline summarizes the film’s theme of questioning seemingly perfect matches.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Good on Paper Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie thinking it’d be a typical rom-com, but it was so much more! Iliza Shlesinger is hilarious, and the fact that it’s based on her real-life experience makes it even funnier. The courtroom scene was wild! I found myself laughing out loud. I really enjoyed the parts where they mix her stand-up with the story. It helped me connect with her character even more.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Iliza Shlesinger’s stand-up comedy”
- “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a twist”
- “Individuals interested in stories about modern dating challenges”
- “People who appreciate comedies with strong female leads”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual innuendo”
- “Suggestive themes”
- “Depiction of deception and lying”
- “Some mature content not suitable for all viewers”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb Critic: “Good on Paper is a quirky, off-beat comedy. Iliza shines, channeling a Larry David-esque persona. The plot is simple, following a familiar storyline, but the jokes are well-delivered.
- Deadline Film + TV: “The film presents a fresh look at modern dating and deceptive personas. Shlesinger’s personal touch and witty dialogues make it a refreshing watch.
Audience Reactions
The movie is a relatable take on modern dating.: Viewers enjoyed the honesty and humor, especially from Iliza’s fans. The stand-up bits added a unique touch, but some felt the ending was lacking.
The movie provides a weird depth to societal issues, addressing narcissism and the trauma in relationships.: Some audiences praise the movie’s exploration of narcissism and addressing societal issues, but others found it disjointed and lacking focus.
Overall Consensus: Good on Paper is a polarizing movie. Fans of Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy will likely enjoy it, while others may find it unfunny and preachy. It offers a unique perspective on dating but struggles with overall execution.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Good on Paper is based on a real-life experience of Iliza Shlesinger, who wrote and starred in the film.”
- “Ryan Hansen wore fake teeth and padding around his abdomen to alter his appearance for the role.”
- “A body double was used for Ryan Hansen in the pool scene.”
🖥️ How to Watch Good on Paper?
Good on Paper is currently available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original film, it is exclusively available on their platform and not available for purchase on other streaming services like Prime Video or Apple TV. A Netflix subscription is required to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Good on Paper, you might like these similar films:
- Dirty John (2018-2019): Based on a true story of deception and lies in a relationship, mirroring the plot of ‘Good on Paper’.
- Catfish (2010): Explores the theme of online and real-life deception, similar to the lies that Dennis constructs in the film.
🛒 Good on Paper Related Products
- Iliza Shlesinger: Elder Millennial: A hilarious stand-up special from Iliza Shlesinger, diving into the trials and tribulations of millennial life and dating.
- Being a Woman: Navigating Uneven Terrain: Iliza Shlesinger shares her thoughts, experiences, and general observations with the world from a very female perspective.
- Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents… Iliza Shlesinger: See where Iliza Shlesinger got her start with this early stand-up special.
- Iliza Shlesinger – Don’t Panic (Color Vinyl): Rare, unedited stand-up comedy with original comedy and music.
🎧 Soundtrack
Good on Paper features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Good on Paper is based on the real-life experiences of Iliza Shlesinger, the film’s writer and star. She has stated that the movie is inspired by a relationship she had with a man who misrepresented himself.
The film stars Iliza Shlesinger as Andrea, Ryan Hansen as Dennis, and Margaret Cho as Margot. Rebecca Rittenhouse also plays a supporting role.
Good on Paper is a romantic comedy about a stand-up comedian who meets a seemingly perfect guy, only to discover that he has been lying about his identity and accomplishments. It explores themes of deception, trust, and the complexities of modern dating.
🔥 Bonus Content
Iliza Shlesinger on Dating a Crazy Liar & Almost Meeting Quentin Tarantino
Ever wondered if ‘Good on Paper’ was *actually* based on a true story? Iliza Shlesinger spills the tea on Jimmy Kimmel about the guy who inspired the movie – you won’t believe the lies he told!
5 Dating Tips We Learned from Watching Good On Paper
Dating is a minefield, right? This video breaks down 5 real-life dating tips you can learn from ‘Good on Paper’ – some of them are actually pretty solid, IMO!
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