Paprika

If an animated scattershot clusterfuck tweaking under the influence of a determinedly Japanese mindset sounds like a good way to substitute a cinematic drug experience for the real thing, then go right ahead to Satoshi Kon’s overflowing excess. But don’t expect the level of humor found in say, “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” “Paprika” takes its “manga” animation seriously, and there’s plenty of absurdist rigor applied to the story of a stolen dream machine that a therapist and a cop are trying to locate. Oh yes, there are plenty of doppelgangers for all of your autistic desires, and parade scenes that enable every square inch of the screen to be packed with color and disposable visual trinkets. Smoke this movie as you will.

Rated R. 90 mins. (C) (Two Stars)