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.
Acting
Pegg and Frost's effortless best-friend chemistry.
Writing
Self-aware script that roasts its own genre.
Practical Effects
Paul himself—surprisingly expressive CGI.
Director
Greg Mottola
Simon Pegg
Graeme Willy
Nick Frost
Clive Gollings
Seth Rogen
Paul (voice)
Jason Bateman
Agent Zoil
Kristen Wiig
Ruth Buggs
Bill Hader
Haggard
Blythe Danner
Tara Walton
Joe Lo Truglio
O'Reilly
John Carroll Lynch
Moses Buggs
Jane Lynch
Pat Stevenson
David Koechner
Gus
Jesse Plemons
Jake
Sigourney Weaver
The Big Guy
Mia Stallard
Young Tara
Jeremy Owen
Sword Vendor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Steven Spielberg himself voiced the scientist Paul calls for advice.
The film is a love letter to 1980s sci-fi, directly referencing everything from Close Encounters to Aliens.
US
