I just came back from seeing Paul starring Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, and Seth Rogen. Now I'm sure some reviewers have come down hard on this movie for it's coarse language and somewhat lewd humor, but I say they can go probe themselves because this film is great!
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Simon Pegg and Nick Frost once again deliver great laughs as a couple of nerdy buddies who have come all the way from England to see the famous alien hot spots of America, like Roswell and Area 51. After a delightful tour of San Diego Comic Con, the two aspiring Sci Fi writers head on an RV road trip which seems like the perfect set up for your typical cross country comedy, until suddenly things get interesting. They meet Paul (Seth Rogan) who is attempting to get back to his ship and leave Earth. The two agree to help, but are chased by a trio of government agents working for a mysterious woman.
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Okay, so, you don't have to be a sci fi fan to like this movie, but it certainly helps! This film is an open love letter to science fiction pop culture, poking fun at the genre and making references to everything from Star Wars to X-Files. It's not so much a parody of science fiction, but a story made to celebrate the spirit of it.
The movie pokes fun at Creationism and Bible thumpers but only for a moment, it's not the main focus of the story, but it is discussed (with Paul being pro evolution). This may turn off a few more conservative types, but if they can't take a joke, well then that's their loss. The coarse language is the main reason for the R rating, with very creative swear words delivered by the whole cast (but mostly Paul) and a bit of violence, but nothing as graphic as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz.
Most people have been initially turned away from seeing the film, due to Seth Rogen supplying the voice of Paul, perhaps because his voice is so distinctive or that he's been in so many other projects as of late, but you movie goers have nothing to fear. Rogen's presence does not eclipse the film as one thought it might, he meshes well with his costars and blends into his character. At no point in the film do I feel as though I'm listening to Rogen talking through Paul, I always feel as though I'm just hearing Paul, maybe it's because Rogen's character is so alien that I'm able to separate him from the actor. That's not to say that a little of Seth doesn't shine through though, but if it didn't then what would be the point, right? While we're on the subject, let's talk about Paul himself, he looks so real that I at one point forgot that he was CGI. It's a shame we're so jaded about that sort of thing now, because it really is amazing when you look at it.
Now on to the rest of the cast, Pegg and Frost once again deliver another convincing friendship like they do in 'Shaun Of The Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz', but this time making room for their third amigo, Paul, creating something unique. Jason Batemen plays Agent Zoil, a deadly serious Special Agent hot in pursuit of the heroes. He's accompanied by two bungling rookie agents played brilliantly by Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio who create the classic "Guys who want to be good at their jobs, but are to stupid to be taken seriously" duo that we all love. The rest of the film is packed with fantastic actors like Jane Lynch and Jeffery Tambor as well as cameo's by some pretty fine folks (you'll have to go see the film yourself to find out who they are).
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Final Thoughts, this film is great, perfect for geeks like me, or anyone with a sense of humor. It has great laughs as well as genuine emotion and some wonderful wit that is the culmination of some brilliant actors and comedians working together in just the right way. This movie isn't an actual part of The Blood & Ice Cream Trilogy , but it damn well is a close encounter. If I could describe this movie, I would say it's like "E.T. meets Shaun of The Dead, with a bit of Pineapple Express sprinkled on top" (sounds good doesn't it?).
I wont say this movie is "out of this world" because that's really cliche, but I will say that you should prepared to be abducted by laughs and probed by delight, because 'Paul' is not to be missed. Trust me, you'll want to believe.
I give this movie five Flying Saucers out of five.
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