Thursday 16 June 2011

HAIRY LOVE-EGGS: PAUL (R2 DVD/BLURAY)


"Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) reunite for this comedy adventure as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America's UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien called Paul (Seth Rogen) who takes them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever...

Forget the opening ten minutes, even if Comic-con looks awesome, because Pegg and Frost clearly didn't want to upset any of their fans (although I'm sure that the geeks, I mean nerds, could take a hit or two) and begin tamely, including an excruciating scene back at the hotel when clad in only their dressing gowns. Soon after, however, they meet Paul (Rogen is the star of the show) and it all kicks off.
 
With our three leads all getting a goodly share in the cream of the script's sparkling repartee, and Jason Bateman coming complete with all the trappings of a textbook dastardly villian, the story is at its most interesting when the chase begins, whether it be the federal agents or the fanatical father in pursuit. The special effects make it all so believable, most notably in the creation of our alien protagonist, and the finale is a joy to watch. 

A comedy wouldn't be a comedy without the humour, of course, and although some gags are a little bit repetitive, especially the three-titted alien (have they not seen Total Recall?), most find their target in the crudest and best possible way. There may not be the biggest plot in the world, but there are some wonderful nods to the classics, and the characters and action are diverting enough to ensure there's no time to ponder anything other than this laugh-out-loud comedy. Now, where's that space bear gone..."

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