If you haven’t seen Paul yet, then make sure you watch it soon! It’s a nerdy film with plenty of puns, gags, and hilarious references- perfect for someone who watches many different shows and franchises.
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Paul / Picture Credit: Universal Pictures
This sci-fi comedy from 2011 follows Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and his best friend Clive Gollings (Nick Frost) on their dream road trip to visit all the alien hotspots across America.
They want to visit Area 51, and the Black Box, and of course they visit comic-con. The two are firm friends and share a love of all things nerdy, including talking cling-on which is a hilarious addition to their antics. Plus there's the added comedy derived from the awkwardness when people keep assuming they’re a gay couple.
The pair, after getting picked on by some men in a bar, flee to avoid getting beaten up. However, they crash their massive RV into the bully’s truck, causing them to floor it.
When they believe the men to be gaining on them as they’re looking at the Black Box, and discussing the time Clive thought the FBI came to his house due to something he did on his computer, the car in question simply passes them by – much to their relief. All is not good, though, as the car crashes and ends up on the side of the road in the middle of the desert.
Graeme and Clive think about calling for help, when a voice from the shadows tells them not to. Out of the darkness, comes Paul (Seth Rogan); an alien from another world.
Safe to say, Graeme freaks out a bit and accuses Paul of having fazed Clive, who has fainted and ultimately soiled himself.
From then on, the trio get to know each other and Graeme and Clive agree to help Paul get home. They end up stealing, getting chased by the authorities, and accidentally kidnap someone; Ruth Buggs (Kristen Wiig) who is a true believer and has never put a foot wrong.
After meeting Paul and the guys however, she changes her tune and it’s just hilarious to see her attempts at swearing and “fornicating”.
The authorities who’re after our protagonists are comprised of Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, and Joe Lo Trugilo. Bateman tries to lead the other two, but they’re essentially useless – their stupidity and game of hide and seek when on the job is absolutely brilliant as they are more or less there for the comedy, and their detective skills are so-so.
This film is utter perfection, to say the least. The nerd jokes sprinkled throughout are simply fantastic; Star Wars jokes and a plethora of sci-fi t-shirts worn by Graeme and Clive are iconic. Not only does this film utilise the power of the fans with all the references to certain franchises, it may have one of the best in any sci-fi movie.
Towards the end, we see the reveal of The Bug Guy, who has been telling Zoil (Bateman) to do what he must to catch Paul. The Big Guy turns out to be Sigourney Weaver, star of the Aliens franchise. After a small fight between the ensembled mix of characters in order to save Paul, Weaver turns to hit Ruth – she is stopped by Tara (Blythe Danner), an old friend of Paul’s they picked up along the way.
Tara speaks the classic line that Weaver did all those years ago, “Get away from her you b*tch!” to reference the beloved franchise.
This film really has it all; a stellar cast, an interesting and entertaining plotline and silly gags that are all perfectly timed. It definitely panders to all those who enjoy Star Wars, old alien movies, and more. It’s a genuinely side-tickling experience and you’d be mad not to check it out!
Paul is the perfect movie-night flick, as Pegg and Frost work together in one of their best films (perhaps aside from Hot Fuzz), and serve to create an exceptionally uplifting adventure – it’s one you shouldn’t miss!
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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Tagged in Sci Fi Seth Rogan Simon Pegg Nick Frost Kristen Wiig