Paul Review (4/5)

Try as it might, Paul never manages to replicate the hilarity found in the last Pegg/Frost collaboration Hot Fuzz. That said, it has a unique charm of its own thanks to the introduction of Seth Rogen as enthusiastic exterresterial Paul and has a barreling pace that doesn't let up. Of course, this type of editing has its strengths and drawbacks, namely that while it means the film never spends too much time emphasising its hit-and-miss gags, it also gives it quite an episodic structure of moving from setpiece to setpiece and as such can't break out of the mould created by dozens of other similar entries in the genre. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are on fine form once more here, getting one or two killer lines and maintaining their lovable 'bromance', even if it is a bit more toned back than it was in Hot Fuzz or the zombie bloodfest that was Shaun of the Dead. There are a few great cameos from Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman and Sigourney Weaver (yes, from Alien- has there ever been a finer sci-fi comedy homage?), adding to a plot which despite the film's titular character is much more believable and easy-going than many of the leads' previous efforts. Paul's main shortcoming is that although there are a few points which will have comedy fans laughing out loud and others where a knowing wink of nostalgia is aimed at sci-fi fans (just wait until you hear where the Mos Eisley Cantina music chips in, unsurprisingly I was the only viewer present to notice it!), it feels unbalanced in the sense of not knowing whether it wants to pay homage to the world of science-fiction or be a hilarious comedy, and as such it doesn't manage successfully to be either. It's a shame, because with a few more tear-inducing gags and some additional "Ahhh" nods to the past this could actually have been a sure-fire contender for Best Comedy of 2011. Don't let that stop you from watching Paul though: it's a great road adventure sure to please any fans of comedy, ComicCon or sci-fi (and if you're a fan of all three, prepare to be amazed!), and judging by their brilliant work here I wouldn't mind if Pegg and Frost chose to make another film with Seth Rogen in the near future!