I adore Simon Pegg and Nick Frost so it was pretty much a given I’d be seeing this as soon as I could.  Unfortunately I had to wait a bit longer to see it than I would’ve liked, but I will review it now just the same.

Paul is about two British sci-fi fanatics who come to America to attend Comic-Con.  They also intend to take a sci-fi road trip while visiting America and eventually have a close encounter of their own after running into a flesh-and-blood alien named Paul.  Wacky hijinks ensue as they try to help Paul escape a mysterious government agent played by none other than Jason Bateman.  Along the way they also pick up a new friend (and romantic interest), Ruth, a religious fanatic whose faith is called into question upon meeting Paul.

The jokes come fast and easy with rapid-fire execution and more thoughtful humor throughout.  The sheer amount of sci-fi references in Paul is overwhelming to say the least and a little intimidating if you’re a self-respecting geek.  I feel like I caught most of them, but am sure there were many more that I didn’t.  Combining a clear reverence for sci-fi as a genre with unapologetically foul humor for its entirety makes the film a must-see for anyone who enjoys either but especially so for those that hold both dear.

My only real problem with the comedy is the same problem I have with so many celebrities- its desire to push an agenda of sorts or at the very least resort to the low-hanging fruit of persecuting the religious.  I found it all in good fun, but just the same felt a twinge of irritation at the nigh-relentless assault on religion that comprises the latter half of the movie.  It’s not so much that it detracts from the movie by and large, but ultimately I found myself a bit disappointed in the creative lapse in the same way you’d roll your eyes at an aging catchphrase.

That minor beef aside, the characters are endearing and well-acted.  A friend of mine also pointed out that where in other Pegg/Frost collaborations, Nick is often characterized as the more dopey of the two with his role more focused on comic relief that being the voice of reason.  In Paul however this is reversed, with Nick Frost’s character serving as the more grounded of the two and it really is a refreshing change for the duo.  Kristin Wiig also does well and it’s good to see that she’s getting more of the screen time she deserves than serving in more ancillary roles.

Paul is the real treat here though.  Voiced by Seth Rogen, the tiny alien is as rude as he is charming.  Between all of the foul things he says and does, there’s an undeniable heart here.  The design of the only CGI character in the movie is, well, a pretty standard alien one.  However, the care that the animators put into conveying emotion and character in Paul’s movements and facial expressions makes him almost immediately endearing.  Aside from Rogen’s excellent delivery, the masterful union of voice and character is what allows him to truly shine.

Ultimately, if you’re a lover of aliens, classic sci-fi, or humor then you’re sure to have a good time with Paul as Simon and Nick again strike comedy gold.

Paul is awarded 4 out of 5 stars.