The Paper Tigers' snappy script and endlessly engaging ensemble cast imbue the film with its own singularly stirring spirit and show that you shouldn't count out the underdog.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 14, 2022

“The Paper Tigers” is an entertaining watch — one that is uniquely pan-Asian, but sharply American in character. Though this feature may not keep you on the edge of your seat, it at least will make you laugh — and maybe even cry.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 25, 2022

The actors bring The Three Tigers alive in a very convincing way. Their emotional journeys are at the very heart of this film, along with the code of conduct they have sworn to follow.

| Original Score: B | May 20, 2022

Tran adroitly layers the fight sequences, filmed with fluidity and at least substantially performed by the main actors themselves, between frothy layers of blokey banter.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 13, 2021

The Paper Tigers doesn't stray too far from the conventional, but it delivers the right amount of humour and thrills to entertain even the most sceptical of audiences.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 8, 2021

The Paper Tigers is a wonderful little kung-fu flick, with personal stakes, a fine cast, and a good amount of heart.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 27, 2021

I think this is a movie you'll be happy you gave a chance.

| Aug 6, 2021

It gets over because its fight scenes are surprisingly very entertaining and unpredictable.

| Original Score: B- | Jun 27, 2021

The Paper Tigers weaves back and forth between comedy and drama throughout its runtime, and it does that weaving with grace and skill across multiple tempos.

| Jun 23, 2021

Tran's film thrives as an infectious love letter to kung-fu cinema.

| Jun 7, 2021

The Paper Tigers' problem, then, is not really in any of its individual elements, but in its failure to bring them together cohesively.

| Jun 6, 2021

Ragtag to the point of almost feeling homemade, this cheerful, lovable action comedy edges close to creaky martial arts and "old guy" movie cliches but evades them with sheer spirit and gumption.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 6, 2021

The Paper Tigers won't make the day of Bruce Lee's fans but, if nothing else, has its heart in the right place.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 5, 2021

The Paper Tigers plays with kung fu tropes and upends a lot of these stereotypes with a story that skillfully blends gripping action, emotional authenticity, and the right amount of comic relief.

| May 16, 2021

This is a real solid Kung Fu butt-kicker, except that it's funny in that Karate Kid and Rumble in the Bronx kind of way.

| May 13, 2021

Funniest of all is "Enter the Dojo" star Matthew Page, who seems to have made a whole career out of caricaturing the recognizable phenomenon of the white guy who turns Asian cultural appropriation into a lifestyle.

| Original Score: B | May 12, 2021

The Paper Tigers is an enjoyable action-comedy exploring the different ways people change over time. Tran Quoc Bao creates an exciting and interesting world filled with Kung Fu and friendship.

| May 12, 2021

Throw in a non-postcard approach to Seattle's Chinatown/International District, and the director's canny sense of comic timing, and you've got a sleeper on your hands.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 7, 2021

Stirs up enough goodwill and positive representation to elicit a recommendation.

| May 7, 2021

The Paper Tigers is a fun time, full of good fights and good laughs, perfect for people who are getting to that age of feeling washed.

| Original Score: 8/10 | May 7, 2021