Watch Paul

Paul is a 2011 science fiction comedy film that follows British comic duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, who play Graeme and Clive respectively. The two best friends embark on an epic road trip across the United States in a rented RV to visit famous UFO hotspots and attend the infamous Comic-Con in San Diego. However, their trip takes an unexpected turn when they encounter an alien who goes by the name of Paul, voiced by Seth Rogen. Paul had been held captive by the United States government for sixty years and is now on the run from his captors, the agents of Agent Zoil (Jason Bateman). Paul has a yearning to go home and decides to enlist the help of Graeme and Clive to help him along the way. Along their journey, they meet a cast of colorful characters, including Ruth (Kristen Wiig), a devoutly religious woman who becomes enamored with Paul and joins them on their adventure. Throughout the movie, references to classic sci-fi movies are aplenty, as Graeme and Clive nerd out over their fandom. From Star Wars to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the audience can tell that the writers are huge fans of the genre and went to great lengths to nod their heads to the classics. The jokes are clever and well-timed, and the comedic chemistry between Pegg, Frost, and Rogen is undeniable. In terms of cinematography, the movie is a feast for the eyes. The filmmakers did an excellent job of capturing the gorgeous landscapes of the American Southwest, as well as the kitschy charm of roadside attractions. They even included iconic locations of Americana, such as Area 51, and the famous Roswell, New Mexico, home of the infamous alleged 1947 UFO crash. The production design of Paul himself, as well as the otherworldly technology he possesses, is well executed and adds to the overall otherworldly feel of the movie. The performances in the movie are top-notch. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost bring their signature brand of humor and heart, with Pegg playing the dry-witted straight man to Frost's more bumbling and comedic persona. Seth Rogen's voice work as Paul is excellent and breathes life into the character, making him a wholly fleshed-out and surprising protagonist. Kristen Wiig shines as Ruth, bringing her A-game to the role of a repressed religious woman who yearns to venture outside her comfort zone. Additionally, notable performances from Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, and Joe Lo Truglio add to the movie's humor and charm. In conclusion, Paul is a delightful science fiction comedy that hits all the right notes. The film is a love letter to classic sci-fi movies, and fans of the genre will appreciate the clever nods to iconic films. The chemistry between the actors is top-notch, and the comedic timing is fantastic. The cinematography is gorgeous, and the production design of Paul and his technology is well-executed. All in all, Paul is a fun and witty garden gnome of a movie that should be seen by all sci-fi fans. In a world where aliens are often depicted as scary beings who come to Earth with plans to invade or destroy, Paul stands out as a refreshing take that shows them as simply another way of life. The film effortlessly blends humor, charm, and sci-fi to create a unique experience that is a blast from beginning to end.