Paul (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Spencer S

  
  A sensational UFO comedy that may be simplistic in purpose but massively entertaining. Paul is a whirlwind romance between Pegg and Frost and Spielberg, invasive and sweet. Though many people have criticized it for its immature humor and lack of Edgar Wright's writing and… More
  A sensational UFO comedy that may be simplistic in purpose but massively entertaining. Paul is a whirlwind romance between Pegg and Frost and Spielberg, invasive and sweet. Though many people have criticized it for its immature humor and lack of Edgar Wright's writing and panache, I genuinely loved this film. It was loving with its references, the humor, I thought was decent, and it featured a phenomenal cast of character actors, improv members, and SNL veterans including Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. The product of bringing all these people together was beautiful, the wit and candor of each individual character brought out extensively without taking up screen time from anyone else. They all also worked really well together, and the direction was spot on. I especially loved how believable Pegg and Frost were with the imaginary Paul, though they of course had to act while he wasn't there. The principal photography, cinematography, and action scenes of explosions, car chases and intergalactic turmoil, were really well done for a comedy movie. The plot moved along at a quick pace, but didn't leave anything out, and though the dialogue was crude, it was realistic and showed the queer friendship between the two self proclaimed "nerdy" protagonists. It was a slight put off to have this all knowing alien being be voiced and given life by Seth Rogen, not because Rogen isn't funny and perfectly cast, but because the character himself is oddly placed. He is an intergalactic being and yet he curses and makes bodily funtions work in a way that would shame a frat boy? Even with the fact that it's a comedy, that comes as a strange issue. It's nit picking at best, but it does pull you out of the film at times. Still, it was thrilling and quite hilarious at different junctions. I found this to be enlivening entertainment, though I know many others do not share that opinion.

• Sam B

  
  "Paul" is a lightweight comedy with a pretty basic premise and similarly basic jokes. Its cliched, even for a comedy, a fact that is made more obvious because the outlandish concept could have taken things in all sorts of more creative directions. As for good things, this… More
  "Paul" is a lightweight comedy with a pretty basic premise and similarly basic jokes. Its cliched, even for a comedy, a fact that is made more obvious because the outlandish concept could have taken things in all sorts of more creative directions. As for good things, this movie is full of well-known funny people who do their jobs at being funny. Kristen Wiig completely steals the show, which is both a compliment to her and an insult to Simon Pegg, who is usually the comedic highlight in everything he's in, but is pretty dull here (with an equally boring Nick Frost). Seth Rogen was a shoe-in for the titular role, but he kind of just ... well, acts like Seth Rogen. What we have here are a bunch of talented comic actors, a sprinkle of smart pop culture references, and a big helping of nothing special. A shame, because Greg Mottola had previously cemented himself as an outstanding writer and director, first with "Superbad" and then with "Adventureland", which is one of my all-time favorite movies and is highly recommended over something as middling as "Paul".

• paul s

  
  Paul has a terrific idea, and while the opportunities for greatness are evident, the writing team that gave us Shaun of The Dead unfortunately missed the mark here; although there are still several laugh out loud moments and enough pop references to just about every sci fi film and TV… More
  Paul has a terrific idea, and while the opportunities for greatness are evident, the writing team that gave us Shaun of The Dead unfortunately missed the mark here; although there are still several laugh out loud moments and enough pop references to just about every sci fi film and TV show ever written. The film starts with a very nice intro, showing us the 1947 event that sparked all of the UFO lore. From there we fast forward to a couple of nerdy Brits, on vacation and taking in a huge comic book convention in San Diego. The pair, both sci fi aficionados, decide to do the UFO pilgrimage - hitting Area 51, the black mail box and then Roswell - with a hilarious side trip to the barren wasteland where the famous Star Trek episode The Arena was filmed. While at the AlienInn at area 51 they are accosted by a couple of red-necks, and while making their escape, they back their RV into the rednecks truck (this is funny because when they later meet up with the rednecks, they do it again!). As they are high-tailing it down the road a set of headlights comes up on them fast. The Brits fear it is the rednecks, but relax when they are passed by a Crown Vic (preferred car of the secret service). The Vic then spins out of control and crashes into the sagebrush. When the pair investigate the crash scene they meet up with a brilliant bit of CGI - the prototypical alien - a smart mouthed, wise cracking dude who has evidently escaped after 40 years in Roswell. The pair agree to help Paul get to a rendezvous point so he can be picked up by the mother ship, and therein starts a rather bizarre and often quite funny road trip. As they head north, the secret service is hot on their tale, egged on by the voice of a female commander who keeps threatening to "send in the big gun". The big gun is a wonderful surprise at the film's conclusion, but it is with the ss agents, especially the two rookies, that the film makes its real blunder - making the young agents total buffoons. This doesn't add anything remotely funny to the film, which would have been better served with all the footage of them being doofuses lying on the cutting room floor. Along the way there are some pretty snarky rips at fundamentalist religion... if you're a fan of Bill Maher then you'll howl with laughter - if you're a "believer", not so much - though I suppose you might think that the tee shirt with Jesus shooting Darwin is awesome... for all the wrong reasons. In the end, this is a nice, funny bit of pop culture - but I doubt it will reach cult status as the aforementioned Shaun, or Donny Darko. It's glib and has a certain tone, but the extended chase scenes, especially with the fundamentalist dad determined to keep following the Brits because they "brainwashed" his daughter, are pretty transparent... just a way to set up a joke concerning the Lord and the laying on of hands. As Paul states when dad says "god be with you"... "Yeah, whatever".

• Film C

  
  Well you go in thnking that this is just going to be a simple nerdy sci-fi flick and thats what you get, however it is surprisingly funny and enjoyable! A great cast and an enjoyable movie to keep you entertained! Its Not one of my favourtie Pegg and Frosts movie, however bring in… More
  Well you go in thnking that this is just going to be a simple nerdy sci-fi flick and thats what you get, however it is surprisingly funny and enjoyable! A great cast and an enjoyable movie to keep you entertained! Its Not one of my favourtie Pegg and Frosts movie, however bring in seth rogen and 'anal probe' then its still entertaining and keeps you very much amused!

• Douglas W C

  
  Wow, Alien comes to earth and is vulgar and tells bad jokes, tells us there is no God and loves showing his private parts. Why in the world did I watch this. That's right because Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead were so original and funny. I guess they struck out the 3rd time… More
  Wow, Alien comes to earth and is vulgar and tells bad jokes, tells us there is no God and loves showing his private parts. Why in the world did I watch this. That's right because Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead were so original and funny. I guess they struck out the 3rd time around.

• danny d

  
  im shocked by how disappointing this film was for me. i love pegg and frost's team ups, and i have a major geek side, so i was very excited to see this. so much about it failed that watching the film was a bit of a frustrating experience.

• Tim S

  
  Greg Mottola's Paul probably won't win any awards for originality, but it's quite a bit of fun. With a cast featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver and Bill Hader, how could you possibly go wrong? It may seem a little cliche'd,… More
  Greg Mottola's Paul probably won't win any awards for originality, but it's quite a bit of fun. With a cast featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver and Bill Hader, how could you possibly go wrong? It may seem a little cliche'd, and definitely pays plenty of homages to a lot of different science fiction films, but it actually turns out to have a good heart. The first half of the movie is a bit on the slow side, but once it gets going, it never lets up. This is a great late night movie with plenty of laughs.

• Directors C

  
  Seth Rogen brilliantly brings life to the CGI alien character with plenty of enthusiasm. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost also play their roles very well, bringing light heartedness to the dark, aggresive alien character making this an exciting hysterical film. However, it is not Simon and… More
  Seth Rogen brilliantly brings life to the CGI alien character with plenty of enthusiasm. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost also play their roles very well, bringing light heartedness to the dark, aggresive alien character making this an exciting hysterical film. However, it is not Simon and Nick's best work as I fell their was a slight "americanisation! to its plotline despite the mentioning of "tea" in britian.

• Scott G

  
  The realness of the alien! ah what am i getting at, only CGI after all, the comedic two are back, tagging along the perfect voice of Mr. Rogen, it's my favourite Sci-fi because really, I want to be like them, visiting America is merely a dream, put that dream and you've got… More
  The realness of the alien! ah what am i getting at, only CGI after all, the comedic two are back, tagging along the perfect voice of Mr. Rogen, it's my favourite Sci-fi because really, I want to be like them, visiting America is merely a dream, put that dream and you've got yourself a winner.

• Bethany M

  
  A light hearted comedy that will make you laugh along with it's weirdness. It wasn't as comedic as I thought it would be but I still enjoyed it. Now and again it's nice to see a film based on fantasy as it makes you more imaginative. You can't help getting a little… More
  A light hearted comedy that will make you laugh along with it's weirdness. It wasn't as comedic as I thought it would be but I still enjoyed it. Now and again it's nice to see a film based on fantasy as it makes you more imaginative. You can't help getting a little teary at the end either and as I haven't seen E.T and heard about people crying over aliens, I didn't understand. But, now watching this I understand why. Great actors and a good film.

• Sanjaya &

  
  I find it funny yet enjoyable to be watched.. For me, 'Paul' come as the underdogs comedy of the year, the one who expected to be nothing special but instead it was turn out to be a good one.. Don't forget to also take a look at their amazing cast : Simon Pegg, Nick… More
  I find it funny yet enjoyable to be watched.. For me, 'Paul' come as the underdogs comedy of the year, the one who expected to be nothing special but instead it was turn out to be a good one.. Don't forget to also take a look at their amazing cast : Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kirsten Wiig, even Seth Rogen lend his voice for Paul and Sigourney Weaver starred as a cameo in here.. Overall, it's an enjoyable movie to be watched..

• Cynthia S

  
  Great movie for Sci-fi fans. There's plenty here to chuckle at...

• Anthony L

  
  The best thing about Paul and indeed Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is watching two best buddies having fun together. Pegg and Frost make a lovable pair and make this instantly watchable. I'm a bit of a geek too, so I loved the various nods to sci-fi films, comics etc. It's… More
  The best thing about Paul and indeed Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is watching two best buddies having fun together. Pegg and Frost make a lovable pair and make this instantly watchable. I'm a bit of a geek too, so I loved the various nods to sci-fi films, comics etc. It's not as good as I think it could be but pretty decent for what it is, it probably would have been better with Edgar Wright behind the camera but just remember, this is not the third instalment of the 'Blood & ice-cream' trilogy, that is yet to come.

• Tim S

  
  I was kind of disappointed with this film. I expect a lot from Frost and Pegg coming off the greatness that is Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz. It left me wondering what this film would have looked like with the touch of Edgar Wright. Everyone does a good job especially… More
  I was kind of disappointed with this film. I expect a lot from Frost and Pegg coming off the greatness that is Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz. It left me wondering what this film would have looked like with the touch of Edgar Wright. Everyone does a good job especially Bateman and Wiig who have the best parts in the film. Other than that, it just seems like a bunch of really funny people trying to convince themselves they are in a really funny movie.

• Bathsheba M

  
  This was too too funny! Paul is the alien I feel like a lot of the time! Hahahahah.

• James A

  
  Remember those two guys who were in the amazing Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz? Well if you wanted to see them in a less than mediocre alien romp you are in for a treat.

• Nate Z

  
  This sci-fi comedy by the guys behind Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, though absent director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim came a callin'), is a irreverently fun flick that lovingly sends up just about everyone in its sights. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play a pair of British sci-fi… More
  This sci-fi comedy by the guys behind Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, though absent director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim came a callin'), is a irreverently fun flick that lovingly sends up just about everyone in its sights. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play a pair of British sci-fi geeks road tripping through the American southwest when they come across Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), an alien on the run. Together they outrun various pursuers, from government agents to angry rednecks, and Paul transforms into a delightful road comedy with the different characters ping-ponging back and forth, narrowly missing but still in the hunt. It's a cheeky even rollicking action comedy in the vein of a Midnight Run, though with way more stoner jokes. The plot nicely weaves these various elements and characters together, creating a satisfying escalation in suspense and comedy. The characters are pretty familiar and some of the gags are below the caliber of talent onscreen (really, more "people think we're gay" jokes?), but the final product is unabashedly fun and it's easy to feel Pegg and Frost's enthusiasm. Paul is a light-hearted, funny, even tender sci-fi comedy that borrows from better movies but still manages to charm. Nate's Grade: B+

• Justin Y

  
  Greg Mottola slams together geeky humor with science fiction and out pops <i>Paul</i>.<p>With a seemingly simple plot and a 100 minutes of screen time to fill, <i>Paul</i> pushes along at a steady and suitable pace. Initially things will come across as… More
  Greg Mottola slams together geeky humor with science fiction and out pops <i>Paul</i>.<p>With a seemingly simple plot and a 100 minutes of screen time to fill, <i>Paul</i> pushes along at a steady and suitable pace. Initially things will come across as stupid, but as the story unfolds and the characters find their places, this film ends up as one amusing production. The humor isn't drop dead funny, and it isn't consistent for that matter, but it makes up for that by holding a steady enjoyment level throughout.</p><p>The mixture of creature and CG effects for the foul-mouthed Paul is quite good. By the end of the film, he feels like a real cast member more than a manufactured character.</p><p>Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are as expected; likable guys with hit and miss humor. Seth Rogen's voice is awkward at first, but getting used to it happens swiftly. Kristen Wiig and Jason Bateman round out some of the other good supporting cast members.</p><p>When it comes down to it, <i>Paul</i> is as it seems and then some. "Agent Mulder was my idea!"</p>

• Lewis C

  
  Paul wasn't as gut-bustingly funny as I hoped it would be. After all, it's a Nick Frost/Simon Pegg collaboration that also stars Kristen Wiig, Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, the voice of Seth Rogen, and some other famous actors that are best left as surprises.… More
  Paul wasn't as gut-bustingly funny as I hoped it would be. After all, it's a Nick Frost/Simon Pegg collaboration that also stars Kristen Wiig, Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, the voice of Seth Rogen, and some other famous actors that are best left as surprises. It's a shame that all that talent isn't given a better script, though. I love the idea of Paul as sort of a love letter to those who love science fiction, but as a comedy it's just not as funny as it should have been. Too many of the jokes are frequently nasty pokes at certain groups that weren't funny the first time, much less the fifth. Paul ended up being less of a movie about how science fiction has been a beloved part of countless people's lives for decades, and more of an attack on groups of people that, believe it or not, include individuals that love science fiction, too. To put it bluntly, this is no Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. The expected references and homages to classic movies in the genre are there, and there's definitely some humor, but Paul just fell below the high expectations I had for it, considering who was involved. On the positive side, the character Paul looked great. I completely forgot that he was a computer generated character as the movie went on, which is always a good thing.

• Chris W

  
  This was described as a "love letter to Steven Spielberg" by the cast and crew, but I feel like that's a bit of an understatement. This is kinda similar to Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in that it's basically a feature length combo of in-jokes, parodies, and… More
  This was described as a "love letter to Steven Spielberg" by the cast and crew, but I feel like that's a bit of an understatement. This is kinda similar to Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in that it's basically a feature length combo of in-jokes, parodies, and references, but this one has a slightly stronger plot and more accessibility. The stroy concerns two British nerds who go on a holiday in the U.S. After hitting up Comic-Con, they decide to check out the extraterrestrial landmarks across the American Southwest. Along the way, they meet a rude and vulgar alien named Paul, and they decide to help him return to his home planet. Since this film has Spielberg on the brain A LOT (and not just his sci-fi films), you could broadly call this an R-rated E.T. That doesn't totally describe this movie perfectly, though. It's vulgar, but it's also rather moving and filled with a lot of heart and sweetness, and all of it blend together pretty well. I watched this twice because well, I wanted to, but mainly because I wanted to see if I caught all the little references and jokes. That's not easy because this film is like the holy grail of deep cut hardcore nerd esoterica. That's awesome, too. Some people kinda got mad since Edgar Wright didn't direct this, but don't worry, there will be another Wright/Pegg/Frost film eventually, and it is supposed to apparently be sci-f, so just chill. Greg Mottola does a pretty good job, although it's a it of an odd film since it's a mix of Apatow style raunch humor and British humor, which are two very different things. I had a really good time and laughed a lot though, so that means the film is pretty successful. There were a couple of lines and locations and things that I coreectly predicted would happen, thus I wasn't as surprised, but given the material, they kinda had to do those things. I'm not spoiling it though, but there are plenty of clues, especially when you lookat the cast list, and that this is a Spielberg/sci-fi homage. However, even then, there are some references and jokes that I didn't see coming, thus when they happened I absolutely lost it, and those are some of my favorite/the funniest moments, which again, I'm not spoiling. The cast are a lot of fun. It's Pegg and Frost, so of course they're terrific, but they work well with the Apatow/SNL crew too (all of whom do a great job as well). Of course it's expected that Rogen will be a delight as the voice of Paul, and he doesn't disappoint. It's really pretty fun since Paul is pretty much an alien version of many of the characters Rogen has played anyway. My favorite though, I hafta say is probably Kristen Wiig as Ruth- a sheltered fundamentalist Christian who joins Pegg's Graeme and Frost's Clive as they journey to help Paul. Her character is just a delight to watch change and grow as she learns to not be so uptight. This is a really fun and entertaining movie, and, while it's not pound for pound as funny as Superbad, it's a really clever and well done homage that stands on its own and wroks as a movie too. Definitely check it out. I'm giving this one somewhere between a B+ and an A-, and at least 4 stars.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings