Different sort of entry.

Ok. So this is an attempt at a more professional and formal (And therefore pretentious) review. Posted here in all of its glory for your enjoyment. Be nice yeah?


Paul (2011)

To boldly go where many have tried and failed before.

The track record of successful British comedy acts transitioning overseas has been less than stellar, either appeasing the masses by resting on their laurels and riding out their shelf life or fading into B-movie obscurity. It is a pleasant surprise then that the latest offering from comedy double act Nick Frost and Simon Pegg have made something that is fresh and yet does not stray too far from what makes them so likeable in the first place.

In roles that surely did not require too much background research, Pegg and Frost play, Clive and Graeme, a pair of self professed comic book geeks who, one their tour of paranormal hotspots, encounter lost extra-terrestrial Paul (Seth Rogen) who enlists them to help him return home. All the while evading a squad of special agents hot on their trail, this may all sound vaguely familiar.

Rather than rely solely on the charms of its leads, the film boasts a variety of supporting characters, not least of all is the film titular character Paul, of whom the film’s ability to sink or swim truly rests upon. On first impressions (not least the trailer) Paul may seem like a crude and repellent character but he quickly charms and ends up being a welcome addition to the troupe adding a new dynamic to the comedy styling’s of the film’s leads. Other supporting players include the ever charming Kristen Wiig, whose transformation from bible thumper to teenage delinquent/potential love interest is perfectly acceptable and Jason Bateman’s seemingly psychotic special agent in an amusing against type performance. Less successful are the double act of Jo Trugilo and Bill Hader as a couple of hapless agents who provide some uninspired slapstick comedy.

The film plays out as an affectionate pastiche of many of cinemas most beloved and quotable science fiction films and the film boasts an onslaught of references and cameos which fans of the Pegg/Frost formula will no doubt relish. Notable by his absence is director Edgar Wright, whose unique editing and directorial style contributed greatly to the success and subsequent cult following of both Shaun of The Dead and Hot Fuzz. Stepping into these well worn shoes is experienced comedy director Greg Mottola who brings his own unique, deft approach of directing, less frenetic then Wright’s, an approach that actually benefits the film.

The film is not devoid of criticisms however, the script is a little overstretched at times, with a subplot involving Paul and a young girl who once saved his life (now an elderly woman played by Blythe Danner) not given the time it needs to allow audiences emotional investment and a reliance on foul language (From one of the films big cameos no less) quickly becomes overkill. The transition from independent British films to a big studio production has also seen some of the harder edged comedy synonymous with Pegg and Frost’s earlier work become softened and more accessible to the masses, for instance, an amusing debate regarding creationism Vs evolution is only given brief screen time.

However, this a film that will please both established and new audiences that for all its faults and occasional vulgarities manages to still be both amusing and ultimately rather charming. A bold step in the right direction.

4/5