Paul (2011)

Paul is a fugitive. A celebrity. A slacker. A joker.

And most importantly, he's an alien. Possessive of spaceman balls that is the envy of all humankind. His contribution to arts and sciences knows no boundaires.

Even Mr. Spielberg calls him up for his best ideas.

Paul has everything going for it. The comic duo of the 21st century leading a cast of some of the best actors in comedy today: Kristen Wiig, Jon Hader, Jason Bateman, Joe Lo Truglio and Seth Rogen's lungs. It even has a small role for Norm "Son of a" Gunderson as a bible-toting hillbilly.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

Whip It (2009)

The most interesting thing about Drew Barrymore's passable directorial debut is its title: I'm still unsure as to what we're supposed to whip here. Maybe the answer is in the book? Perhaps, but don't count on me reading it any time soon.

Whip It is not that good, but it's not terrible either. It occupies that safe spot where its quirkiness never outshines its mundane story. It is also, perhaps to its detriment, not really funny. That is the biggest issue.