Read Mixed User Reviews for Paul (2011)

6

grandpajoe6191Sep 18, 2011

Although "Paul" isn't strong in script & story as much as "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot fuzz", the tone is humorous thanks to the friendly Pegg+Frost combo.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

soldoutactivistMar 20, 2011

"Seth Rogen is 'perfect' as Paul," primarily because you don't spend the movie watching the real Seth Rogen attempt acting. That alone garnered an extra point from me. The movie itself was ET meets Star Wars references written by people who"Seth Rogen is 'perfect' as Paul," primarily because you don't spend the movie watching the real Seth Rogen attempt acting. That alone garnered an extra point from me. The movie itself was ET meets Star Wars references written by people who smoked a lot of weed during the writing process.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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5

filmtrashreviewJun 8, 2011

Pegg and Frost lost the physical comedy that made there films so enjoyable and replaced it with foul language laughs that are better left to Will Farrell and Company. Those that love a cheesy comedy will still enjoy this overall piece of purePegg and Frost lost the physical comedy that made there films so enjoyable and replaced it with foul language laughs that are better left to Will Farrell and Company. Those that love a cheesy comedy will still enjoy this overall piece of pure silliness.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

KarthXLRMar 20, 2011

It's a forgettable movie with a few memorable moments. Odds are, if you've seen the trailer, you've seen said everything the movie has to offer. Not bad, just not good either.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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5

BikerjamesMar 28, 2011

There are a few chuckles, but I would have enjoyed the movie more if I was 13 years old. This is the second movie in just a couple of weeks of release of each other that pays homages to other movies throughout (the other being Rango). TheThere are a few chuckles, but I would have enjoyed the movie more if I was 13 years old. This is the second movie in just a couple of weeks of release of each other that pays homages to other movies throughout (the other being Rango). The visual effects overall are well done, I just wish the humor would have been a little more sophisticated, and the movie not so predictable. For some reason, the movie reminded me a little of "Short Circuit", but the robot in that movie (Johnnie 5) was funnier and the overall writing better. I was also VERY disappointed that the trailer gave away SO many of the scenes. Nobody laughed when he ate the bird because everyone had already seen it. This is not a horrible movie by any stretch, I just wish it was funnier.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

ShiiraMar 25, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Deep in the recesses of an Area 51 warehouse, a CIA-employed "little green man" has none other than Steven Spielberg on the line, discussing with the filmmaker, hot on the heels of his first Indiana Jones movie, what he should film next. Seated at his regulation government desk, Paul(Seth Rogen), the driving force behind all the important scientific and sociological achievements of the past fifty years, gives Spielberg the idea for "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial", the 1982 classic that turns out to be, not a work of fiction, but a biopic about Paul's first contact with earthlings upon his arrival from the skies beyond. Clive Gollings(Nick Frost), a British sci-fi writer on nerd holiday with his fellow Comic-Con conventioneer Graeme(Simon Pegg), had no doubt seen "E.T." as a tiny lad in some rundown London bijou, but it's the Spielberg knockoff "Mac & Me", the 1988 Stewart Raffill "commercial" that took the marketing practice of product placement to a whole other level, which inspired him down the road to write speculative fiction and sci-fi based comic books. Considering that Paul has such a prodigious grasp of the American popular culture(he takes credit for creating Fox Mulder), the savvy moviegoer would expect the hyper-urban alien to be outraged when Clive speaks of him in the same light as the "Mysterious Alien Creature", Mac for short, whose caretakers keep alive by supplying the co-opted alien with Coke after Coke after Coke. With his mouth fixed in a perpetual "O", Mac has the unintended look of a stroke victim. Hillariously, since Mac can't move his mouth, the furnished soda cans are always equipped with a straw for easy sipping, as a means to help offset the considerable limitations of the completely manual puppet. Unlike Mac who can't talk(you need facial gestures to do that), and most conspicuously, eat(ditto), Paul, on the other hand, yet another triumph of CGI technology, acts and sounds like your typical American male beset with arrested development, and in a wicked send-up of the titular character in John Carpenter's "Starman", eats what he regenerates. Paul may be a little on the crude side, but he never forgot his first love, Tara, whom the alien tried to make amends with over the intervening years through the cinematic arts. (In a bit of fun, fictive movie revisionism, Elliott was supposedly based on Tara.) Although Paul couldn't save the dog his ship landed on during that long ago crash landing, the alien brings the hound's memory back alive, so to speak, through the redemptive powers of film. In the final moments of "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial", Elliott's dog trots up the ramp to the departing spacecraft, then thinks better of it and turns around. When Tara(Blythe Danner), the little girl who nursed Paul back to health, traverses the same sort of steps(toward Paul's ship) as that celluloidal dog, the seemingly accidental movements of a restless animal in the Spielberg film now takes on a less spontaneous appearance. Turns out the whole damn thing was scripted, a personal aside, from Paul to Tara, as an apology for taking her cherished pet away with his reckless piloting, by foregrounding the dog for a brief moment amidst the tearful goodbyes between E.T. and his humans. "E.T." is a very personal movie for Paul, thus Clive's childhood fascination with "Mac and Me"(co-starring Ronald McDonald as himself) must stick in his crawl, but he remains respectfully quiet, perhaps even, suspiciously so. That's because "Mac & Me" was his idea too. It's the only explanation. He's just too embarrassed to own up to it. At the end of the Christine Ebersole vehicle, the family of mysterious alien creatures gets sworn in as American citizens, therefore choosing Earth over returning back to their desert-like planet. Paul, who probably could have quit his bureaucratic job anytime he wanted to, decides that he prefers his adopted home, as well. These two movies: "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" and "Mac & Me", reflect the breadth of Paul's earthly experiences; starting off as a stranger in a strange land and ending with a successful transition into fruitful assimilation.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

PepperMar 20, 2011

If you are a fan of the duo of Frost and Pegg's other movies (such as "Shaun of the Dead") and a fan of the sci-fi genre, I would highly recommend checking out this film. While the humor does leave a bit to be desired, the film itself is putIf you are a fan of the duo of Frost and Pegg's other movies (such as "Shaun of the Dead") and a fan of the sci-fi genre, I would highly recommend checking out this film. While the humor does leave a bit to be desired, the film itself is put together very well and employs a cast of actors that play their parts convincingly. The subtle references to other films in the scii-fi genre are more than enough to make this film watchable. That being said, this film is definitely aimed at a specific group of viewer and, if you belong to the group, you will find it to be a rewarding experience. If you do not, you will likely walk away from the film less than pleased.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

JimmyMcVMar 22, 2011

It seemed like this was the guideline when Pegg/Frost penned PAUL - When in dire need of a laugh, do one of the following:

1) Have a character drop the F-bomb or equivalent. 2) Have a character faint. 3) Make a homophobic comment or dwellIt seemed like this was the guideline when Pegg/Frost penned PAUL - When in dire need of a laugh, do one of the following:

1) Have a character drop the F-bomb or equivalent.
2) Have a character faint. 3) Make a homophobic comment or dwell on the subject. Overall, a lazily written comedy.
Maybe the problem was we needed more action, more *surprising* action: SHAUN OF THE DEAD and HOT FUZZ had plenty of that. Not enough crazy action and, more importantly, not enough Surprises = lame comedy.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

Btonks1Mar 26, 2011

I found the acting, for a start, to be acceptable, with some cases being quite memorable (Jason Bateman, Kirsten Wigg) If you enjoy good acting, a film worth a watch. However, it falls very very flat on the script, with poor, recycled andI found the acting, for a start, to be acceptable, with some cases being quite memorable (Jason Bateman, Kirsten Wigg) If you enjoy good acting, a film worth a watch. However, it falls very very flat on the script, with poor, recycled and lack luster jokes. This film just has none of the strength of Hot Fuzz or the creativity of Shaun Of The Dead.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

DarkCriticMar 25, 2011

I like watching Paul and it's a decent comedy. Although, it's not as good as Shaun of Dead and Hot Fuzz like everyone else said. But, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are so cool and they actually pretty good job on their role and that CG alien is aI like watching Paul and it's a decent comedy. Although, it's not as good as Shaun of Dead and Hot Fuzz like everyone else said. But, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are so cool and they actually pretty good job on their role and that CG alien is a wise crack-in hilarious. Cool movie and it's pretty fun alien road trip flick.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

Forrestgump1Apr 30, 2011

"Funny , tho not what i was expecting. Paul has its laugh out loud moments. But i felt like i needed more , when its funny its funny. But this intergalactic comedy needed more flare and R - Rated humor. Paul is spaced about between funny and"Funny , tho not what i was expecting. Paul has its laugh out loud moments. But i felt like i needed more , when its funny its funny. But this intergalactic comedy needed more flare and R - Rated humor. Paul is spaced about between funny and stupid" .. B-… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

QuintexTheGreatApr 14, 2011

Paul

I went into Paul with the highest of expectations being a huge fan of Nick Frost and Simon Peggâ

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

BearDownApr 12, 2011

I think you have to be a fan of the Shaun of the Dead cult to enjoy this movie. I didn't hate the film but it was almost borderline terrible. The kudos have to go to Kristen Wiig. This woman is a very funny comedian. Pretty muchI think you have to be a fan of the Shaun of the Dead cult to enjoy this movie. I didn't hate the film but it was almost borderline terrible. The kudos have to go to Kristen Wiig. This woman is a very funny comedian. Pretty much everything that she does in the film is laughable. Seth Rogan also lends his voice to the alien which helps the case for the movie not totally bombing. Rent it and save some money.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

FruncriticApr 23, 2011

This movie wasn't without its moments and it will definitely keep you chuckling the whole way though, however, despite that, its not a very "good movie." The plot is terrible, the pacing is terrible, and unlike some other recent movies (likeThis movie wasn't without its moments and it will definitely keep you chuckling the whole way though, however, despite that, its not a very "good movie." The plot is terrible, the pacing is terrible, and unlike some other recent movies (like your highness) it wasn't anywhere near funny enough to carry it through its bad story. If you see this movie once, you'll be fine, if you ever watch it more than that...well i'm sorry.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

LeGuruApr 18, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is not as bad as I expected. I expected it to be really stupid and to pull in a lot of cheap laughs. But honestly, there weren't that many laughs. The movie was not that funny. I mean, what was good about the movie isn't the humor, but the story and adventure. However, this is supposed to be a comedy movie, But it's better that there weren't any stupid laughs than had there been. It was not a very Seth Rogen-like film thank God. I'm not a Seth Rogen, I was expecting some pretty stupid stuff. It was kind of uncomfortable, there were kind of shots at religion, and it sort of made religious people seem stupid, and that hurt a lot, I am a Christian, now that doesn't really affect my views, but it could very well be taken offensive, and it got really uncomfortable. I didn't really take it seriously, and you really can't be a hard core religious nut to like it. The movie gets a 5 because the humor wasn't really there, and the constant religious strikes were not necessary. You could've easily cut it out of the movie, and it would've been a much more solid showing. But otherwise, I think Simon Pegg and Nick Frost did a great job in it, they were very good in it. The gay jokes get a little old, but it's abandoned luckily half-way through the movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

AlienLIfeFormApr 28, 2011

I'm a Pegg & Frost fan - they worked together brilliantly in Shaun and Hot Fuzz. This movie had the potential to be another cult follower, but sadly, Hollywood marketed the guts out of it and ALL the good stuff was in the trailers! DearI'm a Pegg & Frost fan - they worked together brilliantly in Shaun and Hot Fuzz. This movie had the potential to be another cult follower, but sadly, Hollywood marketed the guts out of it and ALL the good stuff was in the trailers! Dear Hollywood, when you fill trailers with spoilers and entice fans to spend on anti-climax, you self-defeating morons treat us like dumb aliens. Having said this, I watched a cam version and didn't waste my money on going to the movies (ha ha ha). I'm also a SF and a comedy fan, so if the movie had been as good as anticipated I probably would have paid to have seen it a number of times - so, Hollywood, you get what you deserve!!!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

RoscoAug 22, 2011

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are back again with another comedy puting; "Paul." As a huge fan off their work I honestly thought this was sure to be another hit for the duo unfortunately I was left ever so slightly disappointed. Shaun of the DeadSimon Pegg and Nick Frost are back again with another comedy puting; "Paul." As a huge fan off their work I honestly thought this was sure to be another hit for the duo unfortunately I was left ever so slightly disappointed. Shaun of the Dead was a classic British comedies and evidence of two men at the top of their game and they carried this on into Hot Fuzz so I was expecting great things from Paul! It's not a bad comedy it's just not as good as what you'd expect it to be given their record it has his funny moments throughout but it just lacks the sophistication their other other films had and therefore at times leaves you wanting more. The story focuses upon two British geeks travelling to USA on a UFO pilgrimage however on their path come across Paul, an Alien who enlists their help to assist him in returning home, however its not long before trouble arises and their insane roadtrip see's them in a struggle against time to return Paul home. Pegg and Frost are dependable as ever but the true stars here are, first, Seth Rogen who is awesome as Paul, the twist with Jason Bateman was a great idea and Bateman's performance itself was great as was Kristen Wiig who turns in a hilarious performance. A cameo from Jane Lynch was also very well played and for big geeks theres even a cameo from a sci-fi legend in Sigourney Weaver. All in all, Paul is at times great fun that will provide moments of laughter however its not going to live long in the memory like Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, nonetheless its certainly worth a watch and will have Sci-Fi/Alien fans in hysterics, otherwise don't expect to much.… Expand