Topic: The World's End Review by Jimmy B (minor spoilers)
Copied from my blog.
Warning: In this review, I give my opinion on the ending without giving it away. I class this as minor spoilers
Director: Edgar Wright Screenwriters: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike
Plot: Five middle aged men try to conquer the mother of all pub crawls, which they failed to do in their youth. On returning to their home town, however, they discover something is wrong, when the residents start acting odd. As though they have been replaced by robots. Spoiler, they have.
Review: The comedy trio of Pegg/Wright/Frost reunite for the final film in their 'Cornetto' trilogy. Pegg plays Gary King, a total dickhead who is constantly trying to be a teenager again and in a reversal of the previous films, Frost plays his straight man ex-best friend, Andy. And within that sentence lies on of my problems- Pegg's character is completely annoying throughout the entire film to the point where his constant joking negates some supposedly serious moments. Character-wise, the other actors fare better, with Frost, especially, upping his game and even proves himself to be a bit of an action hero. Which actually leads me nicely into what I did like about it, the fight scenes are fun, shot in that kinetic Edgar Wright style but well enough that you can tell what is happening. Also, the film is funny and although a lot of Pegg mugging and falling about only goes so far, it has enough one-liners to keep you chuckling along. Finally, I liked the way they subvert your expectations a little regarding the character of Sam, played by Rosamund Pike even if she has little to do otherwise. My major problem is the ending but I won't go into too much about it. I will say I find it particularity misjudged and I am now convinced film-makers have completely forgotten how to end films, especially this year.
Conclusion: Despite my gripes with the ending and with Pegg's character, I did enjoy the film. The cast are great and the action is well shot and choreographed. I am glad films like this are being made in this country, as a genre fan and while it is not perfect it is a still an enjoyable enough way to pass a couple of hours.
3/5 (I'm really conflicted about this, really, I will re-watch on blu ray)