THE WORLD’S END is the third collaboration between
writer/director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost; a successful
relationship which began with the zombie comedy SHUAN OF THE DEAD in 2004 and left
off with HOT FUZZ in 2007. This time around, the three capitalize on familiar themes
while bringing a few twists in an effort to put together their most funniest,
well-rounded, and complete adventure yet.
Twenty years after failing to complete a pub crawl, Gary
King (Simon Pegg) drags his reluctant childhood friends (Nick Frost, Martin
Freeman, Eddie Marsan, and Paddy Considine) back to the town they grew up in for
another go at it. As pints are downed and old issues flare up, the five stumble
upon a dark and sinister secret in their hometown which threatens the entire
world.
Despite all the zany comedy and witty banter in THE WORLD’S END,
this is a very grown-up film showcasing grown-up themes. There is a lot of
heart in this film, as Edgar Wright and his team of drunks explore the literal
and metaphorical end of the world; Gary and his pals face the world’s end just
the same way they are facing the end of their youth when they hit 40.
Characters are very real and full of metaphor; Gary is the screwup but still in
love with life, while his friends are successful in the business world but
bored with life. With so much contrast between characters, there is plenty of
great territory for Wright and his actors to explore. When the sci-fi element
eventually pops-in, it initially feels obtrusive to the strong first act of the
film, but like everything else in THE WORLD’S END, it serves a purpose and
actually gives the characters motivation to handle their issues and get on with
life.
Edgar Wright keeps the pacing brisk and the humor well-timed
while inserting just enough drama at just the right time. Action scenes are
incredible to watch and are easy to keep track of what’s going on (they were
coordinated by Jackie Chan’s old choreographer). Dialogue is lightning-fast and
full of wit, and you often find yourself laughing at the one-liners five
minutes after they have passed; it takes that long for your own mind to catch
up. There is a tremendous amount of energy in THE WORLD’S END; it’s a
laugh-a-minute and an ear-to-ear grin from the opening frame.
Acting is for the most part fantastic as the entire cast
seems to be having a blast. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost chew up the scenery and are
so much fun to watch together. Martin Freeman is his usual brilliant self, and
Eddie Marsan and Paddy Considine are also very good. Pierce Brosnan drops in
for a decent extended cameo, while Rosamund Pike continues to be as wooden as a
barstool.
The finale capitalizes on all the metaphorical goings-on,
and may drag things out a little too much…but it makes sense because the film
wants to live up to its title and leave the characters in their deserving
places. Edgar Wright sets out to accomplish at lot in this film, and he
succeeds brilliantly. THE WORLD’S END has never been more fun, or filling.
BOTTOM LINE: See it
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