Spy Out the Land
Book
A time of turbulence 1975. A summit has been arranged between the Rhodesian government and various...
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Paul (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
That’s how the movie Paul begins, at one of the greatest conventions, San Diego Comic Con. Then Graeme and Clive are off on their cross country adventure during which they meet all sorts of interesting people including Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), an alien whose ship crash landed on Earth 60 years ago and, until his recent escape, had been a “guest” at a secret military base. After some fainting, wetting pants and fears about probing have been addressed, Graeme and Clive agree to help Paul get to where he can meet his mothership and go home.
At this point the movie goes from funny to really funny and as the three of them get to know each other better, Graeme and Clive soon realize that Paul is just a everyday guy like them (well except for the whole alien thing). They also meet Bible-thumper Ruth (Kristen Wiig) whom they accidentally kidnap, causing her shotgun-toting father to chase after them. Of course there are government agents also looking for them and the movie even throws in a few high speed chases. To round out the road trip there’s even a fight at a biker bar (Star Wars fans will love the band playing inside). Will they achieve their goal and send Paul home? Will there be probing? Klaatu barada nikto?
The special effects that went into creating Paul and his realistic interactions with the human cast were amazing, however the humorous soul that Seth Rogen breathed into Paul made the character truly out of this world. Not since Mork and Gordon Shumway (ALF) has an alien made me laugh so hard. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were their usual extremely funny dynamic-duo selves. The movie is loaded with well-placed humorous references to sci-fi movies and shows, a well-balanced amount of action and great character interactions with an unbelievable supporting cast that includes Jason Bateman, Jane Lynch and Bill Hader just to name a few. This movie is not only one that I want to see again in the theatre but one that I also want to own.
Leonard Cohen: Still the Man
Book
One of the most fascinating and respected singer/songwriters of all time, Leonard Cohen has built an...
You're Next (2013)
Movie Watch
The Davisons, an upper-class family, are extremely wealthy -- but also estranged. In an attempt to...
The General's Daughter (1999)
Movie Watch
When the body of Army Capt. Elizabeth Campbell (Leslie Stefanson) is found on a Georgia military...
Westworld - Season 3
TV Season Watch
Taking place immediately after the events of the second season, Dolores develops a relationship with...
Andy Bell recommended Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel in Music (curated)
This Means War (2012)
Movie Watch
CIA operatives FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are inseparable best friends and...
What Is It All but Luminous: Notes from an Underground Man
Book
From the golden-haired, curly-headed half of Simon & Garfunkel--a memoir (of sorts): artful, moving,...
Music biography
The Skeptic Zone
Podcast
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason. Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters...