With every successive film that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost put out I am skeptical that I will enjoy it as much as the previous. The impending release of Paul was no different as I was nervous that I would not enjoy a CG alien voiced by Seth Rogen as much as when they interacted with zombies or got into crazy hijinx as the clichéd cops that have nothing in common. It’s rare that there is something I am willing to plunk down $10 to see nowadays when that pays a whole month’s membership fee to Netflix but I was intrigued enough to see if Pegg and Frost could surprise me again.
So did I enjoy it as much as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz? Maybe not, but Paul is far from a disappointment- especially for those into the sci-fi or fantasy genres. There are nerdy references a plenty, and I am sure another viewing (likely when it hits Netflix) will reveal more gems that I missed while laughing or trying to interpret their British accent. And for those rolling their eyes at the thought of a CG alien in fear that he might be another Jar Jar Binks, you needn’t worry. The effects and the writing are so well done, and blend so well that you often forget that he is a CG character voiced by Rogen.
While the movie has been out for a few weeks now, if you haven’t seen any commercials or trailers the movie revolves around Graeme (Pegg) and Clive (Frost), two comic book buffs from England who come to the United States for the San Diego Comic-con. After the world’s largest comic book convention they proceed to sight see in the desert via their rented RV trying to find the legendary Area 51. They get more than they bargained for when they run in to an Area 51 escapee, Paul. Paul asks for help in fleeing from the government who has been using him for the last 50 years so that he may return home.
And just because Paul is kind of cartoonish in appearance it does not mean this a movie to bring the kids to. Plenty of swearing and ‘adult situations’ accentuate the fact that this four foot alien acts like your typical slacker who just wants to have a good time. Take the kids to see Hop instead. While Paul, the movie and the character, can be a tad on the crude side, there are plenty of heartfelt moments in which you are rooting for the trio to get to safety much like audiences did with another famous extra terrestrial years ago. In fact, looking at this as an E.T. for grown ups would be fairly accurate. And of course real life friends Pegg and Frost do a terrific job of portraying friends who have their ups and downs but stick together through it all.
Great cameos and casting fills out the movie, my favorite of which is Jeffery Tambor as an older snobbish comic book writer named Adam Shadowchild. Jason Bateman is great in his role as Agent Zoil who is tracking down Clive, Graeme and Paul. Kristin Wiig from Saturday Night Live does a good job as well as the religious naysayer who refuses to believe that alien life exists, even after initially meeting Paul.
Even though movies come and go so quickly out of theaters nowadays I still highly recommend getting out of the house to watch a fun, laugh filled journey on the big screen. If you have ever enjoyed an alien movie, movies with Pegg and Frost or just well written comedies in general you will not be disappointed.
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