Movie Review: The World's End

 

When going to see the final installment of the "Three Flavors Of Cornetto" trilogy (Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz), my expectations were through the roof. I am glad to report this film surpassed my expectations and capped of this non-conventional trilogy perfectly. In this film, five friends return to their childhood homes in hopes to complete The Golden Mile, something they previously attempted after their final year of high school. The Golden Mile, a pub crawl which consists of a pint of beer in all twelve bars that occupy the town of New Haven. While nostalgia runs through everyone veins, the seemingly normal town is everything but, and the journey to The World's End is the least of their problems when humanity is on the brink of extinction.

The core of the film is the performances given by each member of the group. Their is the fearless leader Gary King (Simon Pegg), who lives in the past and brings the group together for one last run at The Golden Mile. His past wingman Andy Knightley (Nick Frost), who after an accident swore off drinking and shunned his would be best friend. Peter Page (Eddie Marsan) the odd man in the group who was bullied throughout high school and used the group as protection, Oliver Chamberlain (Martin Freeman) the straight laced leasing agent, and Steven Prince (Paddy Considine) another middle aged man with his fair share of problems. There is no need for me to say much, because the film begins with a monologue introducing all the characters. What impressed me the most was the range shown by both Frost and Pegg. The later of the two had a very strong emotional scene near the films finale, while the other showed a side unlike what we have seen in the previous two films of the trilogy. As the other three men they were all given distinct moments to differentiate themselves from the crowd, I also appreciate when a director gives everyone a satisfying arc and a moment to shine throughout the film. This can be credited to the writing of Pegg and director Edgar Wright, who have always been very character oriented in their work.

As for the story it is laced with every trick Edgar Wright has, resulting in a film that may have similar shticks to Shaun of The Dead or Hot Fuzz. Its extremely witty and the dialogue is shot out like a bullet, particularly from Simon Pegg. This should supply enough chuckles to please the crowd for the majority of the run time. Like in most situations the more alcohol consumed the funnier it gets, because in all honesty drunk people are funny. If you are lucky enough to have avoided the trailers you are in for a pleasant surprise on what may be threatening humanity, and the films wraps up their mytho's rather well. While some may feel the end may get silly or preachy, I found it to be really funny and fit the overall characters well. Not to mention with all the laughs you are provided with high class fight choreography for these older gentlemen. It was funny and clever and executed extremely well by every man, it really kept the film from slowing down at any point.

All in all it's a fast paced riot that I have seen 3 times without any change of opinion. It's easily in my top 3 films of the year so far and I can't wait to add it to my Blu-Ray collection. If you are lucky enough to have a theater that provides alcohol, feel free to buy a cup and raise a glass as you embark on one hell of a ride. Drink Responsibly.

Verdict 4.5 out of 5