The Alien in The Room

We went out to see Paul last night, the movie starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Although we went for the early evening show the place was packed - and the queue outside for the next show was enough to tell me this is going to be a big money spinner. I got to interview Pegg and Frost (and director Edgar Wright separately) when Hot Fuzz came out. They are likeable, intelligent men who think about their comedy, love genre movies and most importantly are prepared to drive the miles and do all the publicity they can for their films. I've enjoyed their work since Spaced.
So, going in, I'm on their side. Really. 100%
Coming out, I was trying to stay on their side having been disappointed.

If you know nothing about Paul here's the plot: Two English slackers, on holiday in America visiting UFO sites, bump into a real life E.T. on the run from the US Government who wants to go home. Okay, complications ensue but that's it.

If you've seen the trailer you've pretty much seen the best bits.
Don't you just hate that? Every comedy that hits the big screen reveals its funniest moments in the weeks leading up to release. Okay if you rarely go to the cinema, you hear about a film, go and see it and laugh. But if you regularly go you feel short-changed. Where are all the OTHER really funny bits that the trailer hinted at?



Yes, there are moments, Seth Rogan does a good job of voicing the Alien, but in 104 minutes I laughed out loud twice. Okay I smiled and there were some nice bits, but I also got annoyed. Inconsistent characters, the reliance on parodying other alien movies and using swear words to get a laugh with no real comic beat behind it. There a lot of "What the fuck?" moments. There's even a character (played by the every watchable Kristen Wiig) who has a revelation, discovers swearing and thereafter can't stop herself!

"Come on, lets go and see Paul, they can't say 'fuck' enough for me, I crease up every time".

It also boast cameos from the wonderful Jeffrey Tambor (Hank in the Larry Sanders Show) - funny - and Sigourney Weaver - so not funny you wonder why she's there. And be warned there are scenes that go nowhere and do nothing apart from sit there on the screen. Sorry guys, it's not a patch on Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz.

Look, it's not a terrible film, bits are fun but it's not the cracker I thougt I was going to see (see expectation created by trailer). It's the first time Pegg and Frost have written together. Before it's been Pegg and Edgar Wright. For me, it felt like it was missing Wright as a writer and director. It will do well because there is an audience for Pegg and Frost - and knob gags. But if you like your comedy to spring from the characters - which this so easily could have - I'd say it might not be for you.

HOWEVER, it has a terrific last line. And stay for the end credits.