Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
For the past 60 years, a space-traveling smart-ass named Paul has been locked up in a top-secret military base, advising world leaders about his kind. But when he worries he’s outlived his usefulness and the dissection table is drawing uncomfortably close, Paul escapes on the first RV that passes by his compound in Area 51. Fortunately, it contains the two earthlings who are most likely to rescue and harbor an alien on the run.
Paul is a cheerful, affectionate sci-fi comedy that wears its geek-culture references proudly. The plot is functional road-trip fare with likable chemistry between Pegg, Frost, and the voice of Rogen, but it doesn't transcend its premise. Acting is solid and charming without being remarkable. Cinematography is workmanlike American road-movie stuff with little visual distinction. Novelty gets a slight boost for its specific voice—a British nerd comedy grafted onto an American alien-movie love letter—though it ultimately recycles familiar beats. The ending is predictable and wraps up too neatly, hitting expected genre marks without surprise.