When I absolutely love a film, I mean really eat up every single frame of the picture, it's almost impossible to immediately express why. With so many reasons just screaming to get out, it's a wonder I don't just spontaneously vomit words like "totally awesome" or "f**king hilarious". As I sit here, I'm trying to articulate, as best I can, just how good Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's new film, Paul, really is. In fact, I think it'll be better to just get this initial burst of post-film joy out there, so we can really get into the meat of the review;
!2*^GG*NHSC HSKLijdijskiouh!!*87&&i-frsassieij0 8*££^G....PAUL IS FANTASTIC!!!
So, moving swiftly along. Paul reunites the previously mentioned dynamic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, starring as two innocently sweet geeks, Graeme and Clive, visiting San Diego Comic Con during their first trip to the United States. After the convention, the two decide to rent an RV and set off on an expedition to see the most famous UFO hot spots in the country. It's on this journey that the pair encounter a fugitive alien named Paul, who while fleeing the mysterious Agent Zoil, shacks up with the boys who agree to drive him to his mothership. Along the way the newly formed trio encounter several other gun-toting agents, a one-eyed uber-Christian and many more beautifully bizarre characters.
Although this is directed by Superbad's Greg Mottola, one could easily mistake this for an Edgar Wright film. Starring his frequent collaborator's (Pegg and Frost) and identifying itself with the comic book culture, it's surprising to know the man had absolutely nothing to do with the flick. Paul shares that great sense of camaraderie between it's leads, previously seen in Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, only this time it's two guys and an alien. What is equally impressive is the way the pair connect to and interact with Paul as a character. It's hard to think of it as two guys and a (very well made) CGI creature. The combination of the two lead's performances, along with Seth Rogen's voicing of Paul; it just works. They're a believable trio, best friends until the end, helping each other through obstacles, then relaxing fireside, talking about women and intergalactic marijuana.
Supporting the three leads are Kristen Wiig as the wonderful Ruth Buggs, Jason Bateman as Agent Zoil and Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio as the hilariously inept Haggard and O' Reilly. Every single member of the cast turns in a great performance. In the film's running time, there's not an awkward scene in sight. Everybody hit's the mark perfectly, elevating each and every aspect of the story. Of course, Seth Rogen is the film's secret weapon. Rogen nails the tone. Emotional when it calls for it, but all the while crude, funny and very charming.
One more thing to mention before I close the review; Paul is ripe with references and nods to geek culture. From Star Wars to Star Trek, Aliens to Close Encounters, The X-Files to Raiders Of The Lost Ark. While that many winks and nudges may seem like overkill, the film refrains from using them as an insider's joke, instead shooting us a quick smile, as if whispering, "Wasn't that really cool?". Needless to say, if you're a big Sci-Fi, Comic Book or film buff, there's mountains of things to watch out for. It's in this way especially that Paul feels like a love letter to the 70's and 80's Alien films (particularly Spielberg's films).
I hope I've conveyed how magical this film really is. Filled with comedy, emotion, action, fantastic special effects work and top-shelf performances, Paul is a must see.
Director: Greg Mottola
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kristen Wiig
Running Time: 104 minutes
Certificate: 15A IRE/ 15 UK
Released: Feb 14 2011 (IRE)
