Paul Review

Rating: 3.5/5

I do not like to be called a nerd. Not that anybody really does, but there seems to be a trend in "nerd pride" lately that I simply do not understand. Yes, I like science fiction, comic books, video games, and the like, but I don't think that makes me a nerd. If I didn't talk to girls, only ate cheetos, and actively played tabletop RPG's, then I would be a nerd. I don't do any of those things, so I am not a nerd. On the other hand, Paul is one of the only movies I've ever seen that made me almost proud to be called a nerd.

Graeme and Clive (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost respectively) are two English geeks who've come to America for comic-con and to tour the country's UFO hotspots. Outside of Area 51 the two run into an alien named Paul (Seth Rogen) and begin a cross country journey to get the little green guy back to his ship before the FBI catches them.

Even though Edgar Wright isn't involved and Seth Rogen hasn't been on top of his game lately, Paul is very funny. Not exorbitantly funny, but enjoyable to say the least. The vulgar humor combined with the endless nerdy references melds creates snappy dialogue and good jokes. That isn't to say its perfect however. Some of the jokes inevitably fall flat and a couple of conversations end up going nowhere. However, what works works well and Pegg and Frost definitely new how to write the movie.

As usual, Pegg and Frost work very well together and are very funny, especially combined with Seth Rogen's chain-smoking, foul mouthed character of Paul. SNL alums Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader are welcome additions, and each bring something funny to the table. Jason Bateman is a little boring, but he's made up for by everyone else.

The only real problem I had with Paul was the directing. Greg Mottola is a talented guy, but it felt more like the actors were just going at it instead of him giving any real directing. Other than that, Paul is a very funny movie. It won't usurp Get Him to the Greek or The Hangover, but it is worth seeing, especially if you are into the things the characters make fun of.