Review of Paul (2011) by Troy C — 24 May 2012

Comedic duo Pegg and Frost are meant for each other. They share a dude-chemistry like so few male pairings on the big screen do. They've not put a foot wrong when working together, with both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz delivering comedy gold. This nerdy road trip flick marks their third filmic partnership and, unsurprisingly due to the high calibre of their previous output, it's their least successful effort yet. It lacks the ambitious and biting humour we've come to expect from them, offering a chilled out adventure instead. In lieu of the belly laughs delivered by Shaun and Fuzz, it will have you smiling from start to finish. Comparisons to their own work aside, Paul is a laidback and amusing homage to the sci-fi genre that is still better than majority of the trash that hits our cinemas calling itself 'comedy'.

Those who usually shun science fiction films (or T.V. for that matter) need not avoid Paul. The screenplay - written by the multitalented Pegg and Frost - is accessible to all levels of fans of sci-fi and comedy in general. If your total experience of extraterrestrial tales is E.T. or Alien, or the only film featuring time-travel you've seen is Back to the Future, then there is plenty ingrained into the story for you to enjoy. If you're a more devout sci-fi geek then there's a multitude of stuff for you to sink your teeth into as well, including 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Star Trek' gags. Those who just want a chuckle and care little for the plethora of hidden references then you're catered for as well. There's a string of running gags - most notably Kristen Wiig's newfound joy of swearing - littered throughout and a game supporting cast featuring regular humorists Bateman, Hader, Wiig and Lynch in addition to acting stalwarts Danner and Weaver, who all have their moments in the spotlight.

And then of course, there's Paul. An entirely CGI being with stoner-comedian Rogen's voice, Paul is a unique little creature indeed. Although he doesn't convince 100% - the CGI is fine, it's just Rogen's accent never quite matches the physical look - the eponymous alien is certainly an entertaining character to hang out with nevertheless. He has a filthy vocabulary - "Hey F***nuts, it's probing time" - and an even filthier sense of humour. I can understand why Graeme and Clive would go to the lengths they do to help Paul, with his potbelly figure and propensity towards chillaxing with some fine weed, it's just impossible not to like him.

An impressive entry into Pegg and Frost's joint resume, even if it doesn't stand toe-to-toe to their prior outings.

3.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Average, 3 - Good, 4 - Great, 5 - Brilliant).