Paul

Name: Paul
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy
Released: March 18, 2011
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 57
Cast: Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Simon Pegg

2011

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 37 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 388 Ratings

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 388 Ratings

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PAUL

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: March 18, 2011

Starring: Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Simon Pegg

Summary: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reunite for the comedy adventure Paul as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America's UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. (Universal)

Director: Greg Mottola

Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 104 min

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Awards & Rankings

41	#41 Most Discussed Movie of 2011
69	#69 Most Shared Movie of 2011

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Metascore

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Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

New Orleans Times-Picayune - Mike Scott

Mar 18, 2011

The film -- lame of title but big on fun. Read full review

Arizona Republic - Randy Cordova

Mar 16, 2011

A celebration of sci-fi flicks, fanboys and good, old-fashioned bromance, Paul is a thoroughly enjoyable road trip. Read full review

Christian Science Monitor - Peter Rainer

Mar 19, 2011

The movie, despite what you may have gathered from the goofy trailer, is more sweet than silly. Read full review

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Liam Lacey

Mar 17, 2011

Some of the later scenes capture the spirit of majestic sweetness of "Close Encouners of the Third Kind" and "E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial" period, but the elevated moments don't last. They're relentlessly undermined by the f-bombs, groin kicks, and anal-probing jokes. Read full review

Portland Oregonian - Shawn Levy

Mar 17, 2011

The crudeness with which Mottola made "Superbad" suited that film; here, a similarly rudimentary technique detracts and distracts. Read full review

Washington Post - Michael O'Sullivan

Mar 17, 2011

The derriere-flashing, dope-smoking, potty-mouthed antics of this antisocial E.T. justify every bit of the rating that the MPAA has slapped on him. Read full review

Miami Herald - Rene Rodriguez

Mar 17, 2011

British satire loses something when it's handled by Americans: You miss the perspective that a foreign culture brings, so instead of wit and humor, you end up trafficking in self-congratulatory clichés and sentiment. Read full review

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User Reviews

Wheely

Mar 18, 2011

Absolutley brilliant, I have already watched it twice. Simon Pegg has created his funniest movie since Shawn of the Dead. Look out for references to famous Sci Fi films all through this movie. The music they play in the club and the radio comments from the FBI guys are clear tips towards theAbsolutley brilliant, I have already watched it twice. Simon Pegg has created his funniest movie since Shawn of the Dead. Look out for references to famous Sci Fi films all through this movie. The music they play in the club and the radio comments from the FBI guys are clear tips towards the original Star Wars whilst the obvious pun at the end is hilarious.
The sub plot where the Alien opens peoples mind about religion is really well done too. If you love Sci fi and have a sense of humour then you will love this film.… Expand

12 of 17 users found this helpful125

jstrickler872

Apr 3, 2011

I loved this movie. It was both funny and entertaining. It had a great cast, and even though it was a comedy, it had good special effects. Paul looked real. As if he was really there. This movie shouldn't be frowned upon because of the similarities to other movies because it's creating aI loved this movie. It was both funny and entertaining. It had a great cast, and even though it was a comedy, it had good special effects. Paul looked real. As if he was really there. This movie shouldn't be frowned upon because of the similarities to other movies because it's creating a whole new fun-filled comical action ride.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

mds03

Mar 3, 2013

It was hilarious. One of Seth Rogen's best movies yet. Seth Rogen was perfect as Paul. Nick Frost and Simon Peg were also perfect for their roles. I really hope their will be a second one.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MovieManiac83

Apr 24, 2015

Paul is arguably the best science fiction comedy since Galaxy Quest. Despite being humorous in its outlook and providing numerous "Easter eggs" to fans of Star Wars, Aliens, Close Encounters, and E.T. (amongst others), this isn't a parody. Outside the occasional, affectionate jabs at sciencePaul is arguably the best science fiction comedy since Galaxy Quest. Despite being humorous in its outlook and providing numerous "Easter eggs" to fans of Star Wars, Aliens, Close Encounters, and E.T. (amongst others), this isn't a parody. Outside the occasional, affectionate jabs at science fiction fans and comic con attendees, Paul avoids taking the satirical approach. Instead, it's a road trip and a buddy movie, albeit one in which a participant happens to be an alien.

There is little question that Pegg and Frost, who wrote the screenplay, are more than closet science fiction fans. Lines from Star Wars and Aliens show up in the script (with the Aliens one brilliantly incorporated). References to other science fiction staples abound, with The X-Files, Star Trek, and E.T. warranting mention and a very big nod being given to Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In fact, Steven Spielberg was so tickled by the story that he leant his vocal talents to a scene. (That is actually Spielberg's voice, not an impersonator's.) It's a little surprising the Star Trek elements are on the light side, considering that Pegg is now playing Scotty.

Despite taking place in the United States and being directed by an American, the humor is very British, as is fitting for a Pegg/Frost screenplay. There are amusing sequences, but few will result in uncontrolled bursts of laughter. It's not that kind of movie. Paul wants its viewers to experience an enjoyable two hours and laugh from time-to-time, but the film's goal isn't to pummel the audience with joke after joke. It has a story to tell.

An argument can be made that Seth Rogan is overexposed, but he's a good choice for the voice of Paul. Heard, but not seen, he is effective. A digital creation inspired by the popular "Roswell alien" images (which were also the models for Spielberg's extraterrestrials in Close Encounters), Paul is realistically rendered and fits in so seamlessly that it's easy to forget he isn't flesh-and-blood. Pegg and Frost play the kind of characters they have become associated with: awkward, socially inept guys who are more intimidated by women than by aliens. SNL veterans Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader, who appeared in director Greg Mottola's previous venture, Adventureland, verge on going too far over the top for the tone established by the rest of the cast. Sigourney Weaver represents a casting coup, if only for two memorable moments.

Despite the science fiction trappings, the odd appearance of the alien, and a few ridiculous action sequences, Paul is really little more than an old fashioned mismatched buddy film, complete with a sentimental conclusion. The narrative incorporates elements of a road trip movie and a romantic comedy but, more than anything, it flourishes because of the unconventional relationship among Graeme, Clive, and Paul.

In the past, Pegg has done his best work when paired with Edgar Wright. Here, without Wright's participation but with the help of Frost and Mottola, he has crafted something every bit as good as either Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. It's not as funny but it has more heart and replaces caricatures with something a little more three-dimensional. Lovers of pop science fiction (as opposed to the hard-core stuff) will derive more from Paul than generic movie goers, but it's a pleasant enough diversion for everyone. Even the profanity isn't that bad - just salty enough to earn the "R" rating - otherwise the movie is comprised of strictly PG-13 content. The special effects budget is on the high side but those effects serve the story rather than the other way around, and Paul is all the better for it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

FreedomFighters

Dec 5, 2016

"Paul" is unfortunately a "nothing-special" kind of comedy, but that doesn't mean it was "bad" per se. It's sporadically funny, it's well acted, and it has a solid plot and serviceable writing overall. It's not going to wow you or reinvent the comedy genre, but I would definitely say that,"Paul" is unfortunately a "nothing-special" kind of comedy, but that doesn't mean it was "bad" per se. It's sporadically funny, it's well acted, and it has a solid plot and serviceable writing overall. It's not going to wow you or reinvent the comedy genre, but I would definitely say that, as a whole, it works. It's a fun watch, just nothing I imagine you'll want to go back to time and time again. Even so, "Paul" is a decently entertaining film that's worth one watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KarthXLR

Mar 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 8 users found this helpful44

MegWhiteley

Feb 28, 2012

I hate this movie, I don't understand what is the reason that the people watch this thing, the alien is really terrible, and the cast, only Wiig and Lynch have a great performance, but the rest is terrible. Paul have bad jokes, a good situation but have much mistakes.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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