Paul (2011)
Brief review: Directed by the "superbad" Greg Mottola, and written by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, who also star in the film, "Paul" is an 'alien' comedy that promises to be a lot of fun, but it falls short of its potential, due to its ludicrous and often cynical script that delivers less laughs as expected, and a surprisingly unimaginative execution that makes it even less interesting. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost share a good on-screen chemistry as usual, and yet their collaboration is less effective this time around. Paul, on the other hand, is the true star of the show. Even though he has a lot of bad 'human' habits and a cocky behavior, Paul is still pretty likable and funnier than Pegg and Frost put together, plus his CGI design is pretty flawless. Kristen Wiig is also hilarious in her role as the sexually repressed Christian-turned-ribald, Ruth. The movie also feature some surprising cameo appearances from Sigourney Weaver and Jeffrey Tambor, but this marvellous cast can't make up for a weak script that offers lots of predictable jokes. Sadly, "Paul" is also pretty unappealing, visually, as the director uses plenty of boring locations, such as desert roads and US countryside wilderness. The special effects are passable, but they barely add anything to the visuals.
Overall summary: Despite its cool premise, a couple of clever ideas, and Simon Pegg / Nick Frost always successful collaboration, "Paul" is just a mildly funny and unimpressively-executed sci-fi comedy about a humanized alien that smokes pot and loves Marvin Gaye..
Overall summary: Despite its cool premise, a couple of clever ideas, and Simon Pegg / Nick Frost always successful collaboration, "Paul" is just a mildly funny and unimpressively-executed sci-fi comedy about a humanized alien that smokes pot and loves Marvin Gaye..
18 comments:
Not so thrilled by Paul, I see. Interesting. Generally, I love the Pegg/Frost duo, but you've given me cause for concern. I'll still watch it on Netflix, but thanks for the insight.
Not as good as the Edgar Wright stuff then? I'm still waiting for another one of those. Something needs to come after Hot Fuzz.
Awww...Come on, sweetie, I loved this movie. I was cracking up laughing so much I was crying. As a huge, huge obsessive compulsive X-Files fan and unapologetic UFO geek, this was a great send up. The cameos, the cast, oh my God...I loved this like I loved Galaxy Quest. :) I think maybe I should plan a trip to Roswell this fall. LOL
I enjoyed this movie, there is plenty of humor for both genders to laugh at. It is about what you would expect from the guys who brought you Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. If you liked those films then you will probably like this one as well.
Oh!
Well, I thought it was hilarious. Not as great as Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz, but still extremely amusing. I guess I'm a Pegg/Frost fan :-)
note: in German-Speaking countries alien Paul was dubbed by the drummer/singer of "Die Ärzte", the most popular fun-punk band in German-speaking countries. His cool and well-known voice has definitely added even more humor into this.
Matty, no, not at all. I lived Pegg/Frost's previous films, but this one just didn't work for me. I laughed once or twice, but I didn't find it hysterically funny.
Chris, Edgar Wright is million miles ahead of Mottola. I loved "Hot Fuzz", but "Paul" left a lot to be desired.
Mel, and I didn't. I found it only occasionally funny and not witty at all. I laughed a few times, but just a few :) Paul is the reason of our technological evolution? C'mon...
DTG, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are both in a completely different league, thanks to Edgar Wright. I loved those films! :) "Paul" is just a silly fun... may be a bit too silly.
Maynard, I like Pegg/Frost quite a lot too, and Paul was great, but the film itself left me disappointed.
I'm familiar with "Die Ärzte" :) Once, I was a huge fan of VIVA music channel, so I'm familiar with most German-speaking bands and artists. Tic Tac Toe were my favorite :)
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood when I saw this movie, but I didn't think it was as funny as I hoped. It was just ok.
By the way, I finally saw The Tunnel like you suggested. It was all right. Lots of suspense and tense, but I could have done with a little less cutting back and forth between inside the Tunnel and the interviews. Also, I wanted a better shot of the creature, but not a bad movie. Did you review it?
HorrO, same thing here. I expected to be a lot funnier than it actually was. I thought it was so-so. Glad we share the same opinion about this one, I thought I was the only one who didn't like it.
Well, I didn't say "The Tunnel" was great, but I thought they did a good job with it. I didn't love it for the exact same reasons, and I was so pissed off they didn't give us a decent shot of the creature. No, still haven't reviewed it. I'll probably do it next week.
yeah! Tic Tac Toe! I loved them!
ah, those were the 90s... :-)
Yay for Tic Tac Toe then! :) I also liked Sabrina Setlur, and a girl band, called Basic. "Ich liebe mich..." ;) Oh, let's not forget Oli P. Yes, he was a bit cheesy, but his songs were memorable and pretty melodic. I still remember the lyrics of "Flugzeuge Im Bach" ;)
You sure did listen to the same pop-shit as I once did :-)
Yeah, Sabrina Setlur. I totally loved her!!
Yes, I have, but, hey, I was a teenager back then ;)
Cool I 'll be looking for a review of the Tunnel and we can talk about it there!
Horr0, if I have the time, I'll post the review of The Tunnel later on today. Stay tuned :)
Post a Comment