Paul

First time screenwriting collaborators, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, stars of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, reunite in an uplifting, science-fiction genre satire, containing numerous film references and cameo appearances that will please the loyal fan base.

Best friends sci-fi nerds, Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost), embark on a road trip across America to visit the most notorious UFO sightings.

While en route to area 51, the duo stumbles across Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), a green alien who escaped from a top-secret military base, and who seeks their help in reaching his mother ship. Differing from the stereotypical alien, Paul drinks beer, smokes pot, and is foul mouthed.

After picking up Ruth Buggs (Kristen Wiig), a sheltered fundamentalist who spots the alien, the geeks are feverishly chased by Ruth's religious father Moses (John Carroll Lynch), the relentless federal agent Lorenzo Zoil (Jason Bateman), and by the interplanetary bounty hunters, the methodical Haggard (Bill Hader) and the naïve O'Reilly (Joe Lo Truglio).

The humor touches on topics of culture, evolution and faith but it is the comfort level between the two main characters that delivers added realism and emotional weight.

Kristen Wiig is superb in her role as Ruth. Other solid supporting cast includes Blythe Danner as the old woman Tara, and Sigourney Weaver as the mysterious Big Guy, Agent Zoil's intimidating boss.

Seamlessly fitting the character to his environment, Director Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) generates a vivacious CGI animation of a defiant, carefree and approachable Paul.

A homage to Steven Spielberg aficionados, those not familiar with the references might miss a number of jokes, but will still find Paul a fun cinematic excursion, full of chuckles.