Paul

Paul is a sweet, good-natured comedy that though only tangentially about Area 51, it is pretty close to capturing the spirit of UFO nuts and sci-fi nerds.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play a pair of British nerds who have visited Comic-Con, their life-long dream. Frost is a writer, and Pegg an illustrator, and they hope to publish a science fiction novel. After having a great time in San Diego, they map out a tour of UFO sites in the West, including Area 51.

Having been there, I know some of these scenes were filmed on location, including the exterior of the Little Ale'Inn, and then at the black mailbox (which is now white). While on Highway 375 (the "Extraterrestrial Highway") they witness an auto accident. The driver is a typical alien gray, who has been on Earth since 1947 and now sounds like Seth Rogen.

The two Brits help Rogen, who is called Paul, to his rendezvous with rescuers from his home planet (his time on Earth is coming to a close, and his brain will be removed). He speaks perfect English, and is crude and rude, which is funny for only a few minutes. Later these three will add Kristen Wiig, a Bible-thumping Christian, who is freed from her faith and loves learning to swear. I'm sure 13-year-olds would be in stitches.

This group is tailed by a variety of agents, including Jason Bateman and Bill Hader. Along the way we get all sorts of references to other sci-fi movies--the rendezvous takes place at Devil's Tower, and Sigourney Weaver appears as Bateman's boss (she is punched in the face by Blythe Danner, who says, "Stay away from her, you bitch"--get it?)

I didn't hate Paul, but it could have been a lot funnier and smarter. Or, it might have been better as a straight-out action film, and dispensed with all the poopy jokes.