Paul

I went to the cinema for an unplanned movie. If I had read the plot summary, I probably wouldn't have gone to see it. But then I would have missed out on an excellent comedy with a memorable alien and two cool dudes. I haven't heard so many bad words in one sentence from a one-eyed Christian woman in a long time. And if Paul ever falls down, I want to be there! Quite a brilliant film. 75% (06/14/2011)

Relaxing entertainment with the nicest alien this year. Paul, with a perfect voice-over by Seth Rogen, excellently complements the good old Simon Pegg and Nick Frost duo. The movie is packed with references to every movie possible (Spielberg’s voice cameo is faultless) from Star Wars to Spiderman and back again. An excellent atmosphere, full of effing and blinding in the unrated version, is maintained throughout the movie and, during the ending, when things end up exactly the way you expected, you sigh with emotion, these movies simply have a heart. - Paul? - Yeah. It’s a nickname, it stuck. My ship landed... on a dog. That’s OK. (06/09/2011)

Despite the clichés and a hint of sentimentality in the ending, I found myself enjoying the film. Simon Pegg's style gets me every time – flaws and all, the guy can make me laugh. Nick Frost has the same effect on me. Plus, there's something delightful about someone expressing a blind (or semi-blind) faith in a higher power. I could almost hear the sound of fanatical Christians grinding their teeth. Overall, this film managed to lift my mood and I haven't even mentioned the joy of having Kristen Wiig in the mix. / Lesson learned: Choose the location for your final speech very, very carefully. (07/09/2022)

Excellent comedy with one alien, which shows that the Pegg/Frost duo can work even without director Edgar Wright's guidance. Additionally, it's a great opportunity for Seth Rogen, who showcases his best acting, that is, his voice. For nerds, it's almost a must-watch, perhaps that's why I liked it so much. (03/27/2014)

Another disappointment after the fourth Pirates (although this time, admittedly, a bit less, as I was not looking forward to Paul all that much). I was struck by how un-British this British comedy was, how few jokes the screenwriters put together, how boringly Mottola directed it all... And most importantly... How unfunny Mr. Pegg and Mr. Frost were. Why did it have to be the two of them who got into this mess? So what if I enjoyed Paul's animation and his pleasant dubbing, the references to Star Wars, Spielberg, Star Trek or Roswell? What was the point of having Sigourney Weaver and the charming Kristen Wiig (So someone give her a proper role already, dammit!)? Why was there all this other stuff when it all seemed so contrived? Not to mention the unnecessary "let it have energy" vulgarisms. In my opinion, Paul is a big missed opportunity, which may also harm the final part of the Cornett "Wright-Pegg-Frost" trilogy. Because I'm afraid that when it comes to theaters, people are going to say, "Those two and the aliens again? We don't give a damn." And it will be the fault of Paul's screenwriters, whose failed 2011 sci-fi comedy will be remembered by few by then. Two and a half stars. Fanboys was better. (06/12/2011)