Starring: Simon Pegg, Andy Frost, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, Martin Freeman, Rosamund Pike
Written by: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg
Rating: 8/10
A brilliant movie that sparkles to the brim with the type of British comedy that Edgar Wright and co have become masters of. Wright, Pegg, Frost and others have all struck out or made it on their own - clearly, they all love making films. They're all pretty great at making them too. But having all of these friends, who are genuinely friends, working with each other, provides a real on screen relationship that's hard to fake sufficiently. Look at Vaugh and Wilson - the reason they're good at all those buddy comedies is because they're exactly that - buddies. When you have an ensemble of people come together who are not only talented but also close friends - it can create something special. While this film will certainly not walked the hallowed halls of film classics, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not seeing it. It's offbeat comedy and constant twists will keep you entertained throughout.
The film itself cements Wright as a director capable of crossing genres and influences, which is something he's been noted for. Pegg and Frost, as well as the rest of the cast are on top form as a bunch of hapless and distant adults who return to their home town (some dragged back) to finish a legendary pub crawl that they couldn't complete. Gary King (Pegg) plays their adventerous leader, a man incapable of letting anything from the past go, who organises the trip. In tow, he brings Oliver (Martin Freeman), Peter (Eddie Marsan), Andy (Nick Frost) and Steven (Paddy Considine). Complete chaos ensues as the film's plot unravels.
Now Wright and the rest of the film's cast and crew have said they didn't want the entire plot or any potential surprises being given away - so we'll just focus on what we thought of the movie.
To put it simply, if you've seen 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' - you'll know what that means. If you don't - go see them. Now.
This film, much like the others, is somewhat of an offhand social commentary. It looks at the loss of the individual - what happens to small towns when larger towns/cities have their influences spread and other issues concerning the constant change we encounter. It's a comedy - but it'll leave the thoughts swirling round your head for awhile about the uniqueness, the beauty and the eccentricity of some aspects of life that we lose as we march forward and grow older.
As the plot moves forward and the narrative becomes more and more far fetched, you'll find yourself immersing yourself even more. It's not a film where an outlandish plot acts as a detriment in any way - in fact, as it gets more absurd, the film becomes funnier and runs at a better pace.
There are moments though, when it drags - especially in the beginning and around what can be considered the second half of act two. But you'll be hard pressed to notice these moments as the special effects, the cinematography and the score carry you easily through it.
It's a fitting end to the 'Cornetto' trilogy as it's come to be known. Much like another famous trilogy from Kzrysztof Kieslowski's - The Three Colours - all three carried similar thematic ideas forward, as well as similar commentaries and having repeat performances from the cast in different roles.
Wright, Pegg and Frost have created a set of British comedies that include, while also paying homage to, a large variety of influences. This set of films also celebrates Britain and very particular aspects of British comedies - which is something that can be lost when filmmakers follow the Hollywood cookie cutter template for a comedy. Instead of avoiding their influences, their upbringing and their own lives - they take all of it and use it for inspiration to create something great.
Not only that, but it's a set of films that are willing to self
The locations, while different, feel eerily similar to the previous two films - and that's kind of the point. It's a mark on the increasingly homogenised towns and centres of Britain - mixed in with an unsettling feeling.
The World's End celebrates a time honored tradition in Britain - the pub crawl/the local pubs.
It champions the celebration of differences and of us using those differences to lead us and help us create.
It's no 'Shaun of the Dead' or 'Hot Fuzz', but it's a fitting finale for the boys.
What the Mr. Thought:
I'll keep it simple - if you like parodies or any of their previous films or just good natured British comedy with a tinge of American influences - go see this.
What the Misses Thought:
In comparison to the previous films in the trilogy, The World's End was somewhat of a let down. While it was funny and I laughed at parts, it just wasn't up to par with its fellow films. The ending felt rushed (I hate rushed film endings, I love a thorough conclusion!) and almost lack lustre.
The Mr said to me after we watched it, that they were almost trying too hard to be funny and current. That is something that I completely agree with.
So if you want a slight laugh, to finish the trilogy or watch an alright film, this one is for you.
As usual - we don't always agree -
But remember, you didn't hear any of that from us!
The Mr. and the Misses
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