Review - Paul

So It’s Not About Me, But It’s Still Funny

Ok, let’s face it, being a critic you have to have somewhat of an ego. So when I saw there was a movie on my schedule named Paul, I immediately thought it had to be about me. But alas, it wasn’t about me. Instead, it’s a story about an alien that is just trying to find his way home.

Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost) have come across the pond to partake of a sci-fi lovers dream, Comicon. After a great time at the San Diego institution, they set out on a road trip to see all the alien hotspots in the Southwest. It’s on this journey, in a rented motorhome that they have a close encounter of the Paul (Seth Rogen) kind.

Years earlier, Paul crash landed his craft on earth and is working to try and get home. Chased by a no-nonsense man in black (Jason Bateman) he is doing his best to elude capture and make his way to a rendezvous point. When he crashes the car he is fleeing in; he ends up in the company of Graeme and Clive. Now the two will have to adjust to the party, cussing, drinking Paul who is “out there” in more ways than on. Can they help Paul get home?

Pegg and Frost have given fans of the science fiction movie a lot to laugh at here. There are countless subtle, and not so subtle references to everything from Star Wars to Mac and Me, yes I said Mac and Me. They poke loving fun at the genre and everything about it and it works on so many levels.

One of the coolest aspects of Paul is looking for all the subtleties in the film. From smart quick references to smaller roles that are played by some of our favorite actors, Paul makes use of some great material to make you laugh. And laugh I did. Pegg and Frost as writers as well as stars are able to use the wisecracking Paul to push the boundaries but never makes the cracks feel mean.

Rogen feels right at home in his portrayal of Paul. It would be the movie I could see him doing even if it was him and not an alien character on screen. He embodies the fun that is within this character.

It lost a little steam at one point and some of the cracks at Kristen Wiig’s characters beliefs were a bit harsh, but overall Paul is a well done adult comedy that will have you laughing throughout. And if you a sci-fi fan, that laughter will continue all the way past Area 51 and into another dimension.

B+

Paul
Universal Pictures

Director: Greg Mottola
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig

Rating: R for language including sexual references, and some drug use.
Runtime: 104 minutes.