Monday Morning Talkback: Let's Hear About Paul
If you've finished gabbing about Limitless, why not turn your attention to Paul? The reference-happy science-fiction comedy was the latest bit of geekbait to slightly disappoint at the box office -- paging Kick-Ass -- but that doesn't mean there aren't numerous things to discuss about the Greg Mottola film.
For instance!
· What made you see Paul?
· Did the warring tones of sentiment and violence mar what could have been an excellent comedy?
· Does a reference-heavy science-fiction film work when two supposedly in-tune geek characters don't notice the Mos Eisley Cantina music playing at a bar?
· Did Simon Pegg and Nick Frost miss the energetic touch of Edgar Wright?
· Was this Seth Rogen's most likable performance since Knocked Up?
· Were you happy with the special effects?
· What were Sigourney Weaver, Jane Lynch and Blythe Danner even doing in this one?
· Were you surprised by the vocal cameo from the top, Oscar-winning director?
· If you didn't see Paul, what made you stay away?
The floor is yours, dear readers. Let's dissect Paul!
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Comments
Reason Paul & Kickass were box-office disappointments? American audiences are fucking half wits
Paul was absolutely terrific. Frost and Pegg are just wonderful together, their script was tight, Rogen should continue doing voice work, it was fun, sweet, and hi-larious time at the cinema.
However, I did notice that there were WAY too many jokes that went over people's heads, either because the dry British wit was too subtle, or the references too obscure. I often found myself and my friends the only people laughing at certain jokes. (Like the Mac and Me line, but, throwing in a Capturing the Friedman's joke was genius).
Also, I will continue to say this, the marketing for the movie was just plain horrible. It only showcased the ball and anal jokes. I understand wanting to distance yourself from your nerd audience because of things like Kick Ass, but when you spend five minutes putting an alien on a yellow poster with a bunch of words, and none of the talent involved, nobody's gonna see your movie.
And I'll keep saying this, between this, Your Highness and Bridesmaids, Universal needs to hire new trailer cutters. Those trailers are deathly.
I genuinely lost it when he made the "Capturing the Friedmans" joke. That went deep, was hilarious and surprising. Well done.
I think Mr. Mitchell's review was spot on. PAUL definitely wasn't as good as it could have been, but it was still good enough to charm and move me. True, I am exactly the kind of sentimental asshole likely to get choked up by the appearance of a famous sf movie landmark, so I'd say my reaction might exceptional, if it weren't for the fact that I listened to my 13 year-old nephew describe how much he loved it for a full half-hour.
And I can't begrudge Mottola taking Wright's place, because then SCOTT PILGRIM wouldn't have gotten made and I am exactly the kind of sentimental asshole who would think that was one of the best movies he saw last year.
Lemme see here: saw the movie because I like the cast.
This was the most likeable Seth Rogen performance in a LONG time. Perhaps ever.
It actually performed really well box office-wise for what it was. Isn't it actually one of the bigger openings for a broad comedy so far this year (it outgrossed Hall Pass's opening weekend).
It was not the comedy classic that Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz are, but it was a fun matinee.
Or we're just tired of nerd movies.
· What made you see Paul?
Friend brought it into the office and I loved Shaun of the Dead.
· Did the warring tones of sentiment and violence mar what could have been an excellent comedy?
Huh? I guess I'll go with no.
· Does a reference-heavy science-fiction film work when two supposedly in-tune geek characters don’t notice the Mos Eisley Cantina music playing at a bar?
Since the scene also paralleled the Mos Eisley Cantina scene, I assumed that the music was meant to set the mood for the audience (i.e. us), not to suggest that a random bar in the boonies happened to be playing Star Wars tunes. If they noticed it wouldn't have made sense.
· Did Simon Pegg and Nick Frost miss the energetic touch of Edgar Wright?
I didn't notice, so no.
· Was this Seth Rogen’s most likable performance since Knocked Up?
Sure.
· Were you happy with the special effects?
Didn't notice them, so yeah.
· What were Sigourney Weaver, Jane Lynch and Blythe Danner even doing in this one?
I couldn't place the voice and then when Weaver showed up I almost shit myself; more sci-fi reference awesomeness. I thought Blythe was a kid in some sci-fi, but I dont know if that makes sense. Jane Lynch... why not a cameo?
· Were you surprised by the vocal cameo from the top, Oscar-winning director?
Huh?
· If you didn’t see Paul, what made you stay away?
Did see!