Movie Review: Paul

Paul

2011

R

It has been 8 years since this movie’s release, and it has slipped under my radar for all that time.  I had absolutely zero memory of this even after watching the trailer but upon seeing the cast and knowing it was directed by those involved with Superbad, I knew I had to give it a watch.  Overall, pretty much what I expected it to be.  Not the best comedy I’ve ever seen but worthy of a Saturday viewing with the gang for sure.  Filled with an all-star cast consisting of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, and David Koechner, there are plenty of laughs to be had.  The story picks up rather quickly and moves at a consistent pace without any prolonged stagnant moments. Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio hands down stole the show for me.  They had a good amount of camera time, but I would have loved to see even more.  Seth Rogen was the voice of Paul and I wasn’t sure if his voice would fit the look of a small alien character.  It didn’t take long to get use to and made Paul that much funnier to me.  Rogen said in the extras that part of his preparation for the role was watching old Neil Young interviews because of his aggressively laid-back demeanor.  I thought that was kind of funny and a unique way to approach it.  Paul is a pleasurable mixture of sci-fi, adventure, and road tripping that offers a little something for everyone.  If you loved Superbad, you’ll like Paul. 3.5/5