I enjoyed this film quite a bit, it is a rare comedy that started kind of slowly, but continued to get more funny as it went on. Usually I find a lot of comedies start kind of fast then fade out kind of fast. This one has two Brits who are in the United States for comic con, the end all comic book, science fiction, horror and a whole heck of a lot more conventions. These particular two are into aliens and there to not only take in the sights and meet a favorite author, but to drive to some of the famous alien spots out in the west. Well they quickly run into some trouble with some local rednecks and then end up witnessing a very bad wreck. They go out to explore the scene and end up meeting Paul, an alien who is apparently on the run and in the need of assistance. During the course of their adventure the two Brits must keep Paul hidden from government agents and also deal with crazy religious fathers and all sorts of other things one tends to find on the road. Probably why I liked this one as I always enjoy a good traveling comedy of which this can certainly be classified as one. I also enjoy watching Simon Pegg and Nick Frost working together as they have a good chemistry. They are a couple of the few actors who I will watch a movie specifically because they are in it. I used to have a whole slew of actors and actresses like that, but these days not so much. The comedy is funny, like I said it started a bit slowly as I think the comic con scenes could have been a bit funnier, but it really got going once they met up with Paul. Not much of a Seth Rogen fan, but he did a fine job as the voice of Paul. So all in all a funny comedy that kept me entertained throughout.

"Paul" is one of the more frustrating films I've seen in a long time. While the idea of the film is quite nice and I really like Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, too often the film relies on cursing and crudeness instead of cleverness. It's like someone took the script and gave it to a couple 12 year-olds to have them 'spice it up'. It's a shame really, as I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did.

The film turns out to be a reworking of the story in "E.T"! It begins with Pegg and Frost at Comic-Con. They are both total nerds and following the convention, they are going on a cross-country trip to see Area 51 and other odd sites. Along the way, they accidentally happen up an alien...Paul. Paul is a foul-mouthed but charming alien--and the pair decide to try to help him find his way back home. Along the way, they pick up a few friends....and enemies. Can they get Paul back to his own planet? Isn't it a foregone conclusion?

As I said above, the film could have been really good and there are some nice moments. I also liked how the film paid homage to sci-fi films. But, it also was often rather nasty--with an unnecessary attack on Christianity (they are semi-brain-dead knuckledraggers here) and lots of VERY crude humor--the sort that might appeal to teens--but it's a rated R movie and they shouldn't be watching this film (but they will). For adults wanting adult entertainment that is clever--keep looking. This is NOT another "Hot Fuzz" or "Sean of the Dead"---it's just unrelentingly crude--like you'd find if the writer of "The Hangover" re-wrote "E.T.". A MAJOR disappointment unless you like fart jokes, the incessant use of the f-word and moonings. Uggh.

Paul is not perfect, but it is not as good as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. However I for one found it an enjoyable movie, and much better than people I know made it out to be. I mainly wanted to see it for the concept, which seemed fun and intriguing, and for the most part it was. The story is mostly fast-paced and entertaining, but there are some predictable moments with some gags going on for too long. Also while I loved Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids, I didn't find her character here anywhere near as well written or engaging this time round. However, Paul does look great and has an appealing soundtrack. A vast majority of the writing and gags are very funny and on target and the direction is well above average as well. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a well-matched pair, both are likable and their chemistry infectious, while Seth Rogan, an actor I don't really care for, is surprisingly good as Paul. Overall, far better than expected even with the flaws. 7/10 Bethany Cox