The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus

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Audience Member Paul the Octopus was an "animal oracle" who grabbed the world stage by predicting a shocking string of World Cup soccer match results, and this great documentary dives the full extent of his unlikely cultural impact. No love of soccer required, because as is the case with most good films, this one isn't only about what it hints at on the box. Subject matter experts and statistical analyses are introduced to quantify the possibility that maybe this soft-tissued mollusk did have otherworldly insights. Soon images of penalty kicks and marine life give way to beautifully captured old world churches and celestial landscapes, conjuring meaning of life themes and considerations of a higher power. The filmmakers were clearly aware it would have be pretentious to oversell Paul's contributions, so the film's grand notions are counterpointed with a buffet of seafood jokes. It works to great effect; crisp imagery and editing pull us in while the story architecture endears us to the slimy yet cuddly Paul, reminding us again that the impossible is not only maybe possible after all, but either way, it eventually tastes good when fried. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Funny and entertaining look at the hysteria that built up around Paul. Some great characters. Strange how humanity views the 1 in a thousand chance of getting 3 numbers on the lottery as an almost certainty yet the 1 in 600 chance of an octopus predicting 8 matches in a row is impossible and there must be something more than luck. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus

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