Paul is ET for the Internet generation – self-aware, subversive, and full of pop culture references. But while the script by stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost has an endearing sweetness to it that balances the anarchy, it doesn’t reach the level of outrageousness suggested by the film’s marketing.
Graeme (Pegg) and Clive (Frost) are aspiring science-fiction writers, on holiday in the US for the San Diego Comic-Con. After the convention, they rent an RV and head into the southwest to tour the world-famous sites associated with rumors of alien landings. On the highway at night, a car crashes in front of them, and they are surprised to discover the occupant is one of the very aliens they’ve been speculating about.
The alien, nicknamed Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), has been held captive since his crash-landing in Wyoming over 60 years ago. In the meantime, he has fully acclimated to Earth’s culture, more specifically to its slacker culture – he speaks like a surfer, smokes pot, and loves to chill. Apart from sharing his knowledge of the universe, he’s been secretly advising the entertainment industry, supplying ideas for sci-fi movies and TV. (Listen carefully for a fun Steven Spielberg cameo.) But now, he’s finally about to be dissected by government scientists, so it’s time for him to escape. With Graeme and Clive’s help, he needs to get back to the crash site to signal for a pickup from the mothership.
This is a road movie, which means lots of excuses for wacky situations and characters to join the chase, including man-in-black Agent Zoil (Jason Bateman), two goofy federal agents (Joe Lo Truglio, Bill Hader), and sheltered bible-thumper Ruth Buggs (Kristen Wiig). Except that the wacky never seems to rise to the level of funny. The film’s attitude toward its comedy seems to have been filtered through Paul’s stoner haze – it makes you smile, but rarely laugh out loud.
Which is not to say it isn’t watchable. These are all fine actors giving good performances, and the story is full of heart. Even Paul himself, despite our being constantly told how rude and obnoxious he is, remains a consistently likeable character. That’s a compliment not only to the script, and Rogen’s voice, but the CGI animators’ skill as well. Were it not for the large amount of coarse language, this could almost be a family film.
Fair or not, I believe it’s audience expectation that gets in the way here. Pegg and Frost have been highly successful before in turning genre films on their head (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), and Rogen’s involvement suggests a certain tone for the film as well. Their previous comedies have mostly had a wild element to them. Oddly, the lighter tone here may gain the creators some new fans, while disappointing some older ones.
Tags: movie review
About the author: David Raitt
David Raitt is a writer and lover of pop culture. He lives in Oakville. He has also worked as an actor for The Second City, and has written, produced and performed his own sketch comedy, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated ALL THE RAGE. Semi-retired from performing, he still teaches improv and communications skills to students and corporate groups through his association with The Second City. Check out Dave's website at http://davidraitt.com
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