Paul (2011)

Directed by: Greg Mottola

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogan

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I was excited for Paul since I first heard Pegg and Frost were doing another film together.  I had a few mixed feelings once I found out that Edgar Wright, who had worked with the two on Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007), was not involved with this project. My worries were put to bed upon seeing the film. Paul, while its humor is much more simplistic than Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, provides plenty of laughs and a refreshing story. Take the Lewdness of a Seth Rogan film, garnish it with the sly wit of Pegg and Frost, and there you have Paul.  

Graeme (Pegg) and Clive (Frost) are two hardcore nerds from the UK visiting the United States for Comic-Con. While they are in country, they decide to rent an RV to tour all of the UFO hot spots across the American midwest. Along the way, they run into Paul (Seth Rogan), a stereotypical looking grey alien with an odd personality. Paul is on the lam from the government, and needs help to return home. He persuades Clive and Graeme to bring him to where he can be picked up by another UFO. Hilarity ensues. 

Two nerds in heaven

There truly wasn't a dull moment in the pacing of the film. Even in the beginning when the characters were being introduced there were plenty of giggles to be had. Once the main story gets rolling, the jokes don't let up until the end credits roll. The humor is pretty juvenile, consisting mainly of fart and sex jokes. It also takes some serious jabs at religion, and doesn't back down. Those who are religious or offended by such humor might want to avoid this film all together.  While this may bother some, I thought the low brow stuff was particularly well done. There are constant references to nerd and sci-fi culture throughout. Some are perfectly subtle and fit into the dialogue well, others feel a bit forced and awkward. 

The characters and the actors who fill their shoes are superb. Pegg and Frost are at their usual best. I was a bit weary about Seth Rogan playing the alien, but he turned out perfect for the role. Jason Bateman, Bill Hader and Joe Lo Trugilo make a funny team as the government agents trailing Paul. Sigourney Weaver has a small part as the boss of whatever government agency Paul escaped from. And Kristen Wiig plays a devout woman "accidentally" kidnapped by our three main characters.

Bottom Line: 8/10: While not as good as previous Pegg/Frost collaborations, theres still plenty of funny here. The humor is a bit low brow and may be offensive to some. Combined with an interesting story, some exciting action scenes, and great acting; this isn't one to miss.