Paul reteams the stars of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg - Clive and Graham respectively. This time, they're more laid back, but in a naive way, with longer hair, a bit more fluff around the middle, and a more happy go lucky attitude. They have arrived at Comic-Con, the Mecca for geeks, nerds, dweebs and movie-fans alike. Clive has even written a science fiction novel (about a woman with three tits - apparently that extra tit is a source of endless amusement) and they get their hero's signature. After Comic-con they set off on a road trip adventure in an RV to visit all of the UFO/alien sites across the US. I'll admit, these went a little beyond my personal nerd knowledge, but it's really enough to know they have something to do with a sighting/abduction/landing. Then they witness a car crash and getting out to help, they meet Paul. About 4' tall, large head, no shirt (just pants - like Mickey Mouse), and a Seth Rogan mouth - literally and figuratively, he does the voice. Paul is on the run and needs help (the exact reasons are explained slowly). After Clive (Frost) faints, Graham agrees to help Paul get away.
Greg Mottola directed Superbad and Adventureland, and if you've seen those, you know what you're in for with Paul, and it more than lives up to the other two (one of which I did NOT like). It's more for a grown up group of sci-fi nerds. There are homages to every single franchise (some more direct than others), and a guest voice appearance when we learn the real source of E.T.. Twilight Zone, The X-files, Star Wars, Star Trek, etc. make an entrance. I'm sure there were more (Doctor Who, comic books) but that was the extent of my knowledge and I laughed my ass off. Pegg and Frost are their always winning buddy-duo with many recurring jokes and nods to their other work together. Terrific fun - if you fall into any of the demographics to find elements of this funny. If you have a nerdy bone in your body, this movie is for you. 3.5 of 5 stars/lambs
5 comments:
I know I'm not the demographic, but I can have some quirky tastes sometimes. Is this for me?
Mom says - it's ET grown up smoking and drinking. And then a set of goofballs with good hearts. I bet you'd think Paul was so cute (but I warn you, a dog gets killed in the opening scene - the source of Paul's name). I know you hate when that happens.
It's definitely not terrible. I just expected so much more from Pegg, Frost, Mottola and a great supporting cast and subject. Could have been better, but it was still OK and had me laughing here and there. Rogen really does shine as Paul, even though he does nothing new here. Good review, check out mine when you can!
I really don't find Pegg and Frost that funny and would probably not go out of my way to see them. Both Shaun and Hot Fuzz had some moments but both were dragged down by EDgar Wright's constant desire to turn to graphic violence whenever the opportunity arises and Pegg proved he can't carry a movie by himself in Run Fatboy Run.
As for Motolla, he's such a talented director that it pains me to see a man who can direct something as wonderful, intelligent and human as Adventureland squandering his talent on these movies. I guess you have to pay the bills somehow.
Can't read this yet - seeing it tomorrow or Sat. for the 'cast. Glad to see a pretty good score from ya, though - makes me feel better. Seems 3.5 is about the general consensus, which is good, but kinda too bad that it's not better. Don't think I've seen one person truly rave about it yet.
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