Paul
4/5
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen
Cert: 15 mins RT: 105 mins
No two people are better qualified to write a sci-fi comedy than self-confessed nerds Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
Indeed, the pair’s love and knowledge of all things outer space shines through in Paul, a rude, raucously funny film starring the most obscene CGI character you are ever likely to witness.
Pegg and Frost play Graeme and Clive, geeks on a dream trip to America.
While travelling through the desert in a rented RV they run into Paul (voiced by Rogen), an alien who has escaped from Area 51.
As Graeme and Clive try to get the foul-mouthed critter home, authorities, including humourless agent Lorenzo Zoil (Jason Bateman), move in to capture their new extra-terrestrial friend.
After a disappointingly self-indulgent opening showing Pegg and Frost at geek-fest Comi-Con, Paul kicks into high gear when the alien shows up and strings together memorable lines and great gags. True, the chemistry between the two lead actors is nowhere near as good as Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, but
It matters little thanks to the titular star. Combining excellent CGI with spot-on vocal work from Rogen, Paul is a truly inspired creation.
Good for: A good afternoon at the movies.
Pierre de Villiers
