The World's End Review

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright reunite once again for an all new action/comedy film entitled “The World’s End.” This is the final chapter in the Cornetto trilogy. Is this film just as good as the previous “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun Of The Dead”? Or is it really world’s end for the Cornetto trilogy?

Story - 20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hell bent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King, a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their home town and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub, The World's End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind's. Reaching The World's End is the least of their worries.

“The World’s End” story is simple, entertaining and most importantly very fun to watch. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright have cleverly created a story that includes characters that you will be invested in, a world that is just as crazy and quirky as the characters and it all works well. The movie focal point is the character of Gary King played by Simon Pegg. Gary is what some people will call a boy trapped in a man’s body. Gary is immature has tons of issues that he has never come to terms with and he has a serious drinking problem. As the story unravels Gary’s layers peel more to reveal why and how he has become the way he is. It’s entertaining to see his character being the fish out of water. While everyone in his circle has grown up, gotten married and landed decent jobs. Gary is the only one still clinging onto the glory days of his youth. The way Gary's character is written makes for great interaction with his supporting cast, and a solid story among the other characters especially with the character Andrew played by Nick Frost. Gary and Andrew are yin and yang, positive and negative, but at the same time very much the same. While Andrew has progressed in his life and appears to be doing better than Gary, he also holds something from his past that he couldn't let go, this set ups for some hilarious and touching moments between the two during the robot invasion.

Overall the plot, story and characters work well. The inclusion of robots invading the town and replacing the townspeople with robot copies of themselves is not original, but it does a refreshing take on the concept that you seen in movies such as the Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Stepford Wives scenario. The robots inclusion also works well in terms of theme of the story which is freedom. Freedom is expressed throughout the film through Gary’s carefree eyes and the mission the robots are trying to accomplish which is taking freewill from humans, correcting their flaws and molding them into the image they see fit. This theme is mostly seen through the 3rd final act which will leave you satisfied and proud to be human.

Acting – The chemistry between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is as good as it’s ever been. The chemistry just gets better over time. Watching the film you can tell that these two men enjoy working together and playing off each other. Simon Pegg’s delivery with his witty one liners and Nick Frost ability to use physical comedy and facial expression make it very fitting for fans to watch. The film also features familiar faces from previous Edgar Wright films and a special cameo that will make fans smile. The acting is great all around and you can see it through the chemistry of the actors.

Music & Filmmaking – The musical score is not really memorable, instead you do get some insert songs in the rock genre. In the filmmaking aspect the film looks great especially in the action scenes. The fights with the robots are hilarious especially with Nick Frost when he gives us a little reference to The Hulk with the chairs. The locations, sets and world all look amazing Wright really pays attention to detail in this one.

Final Thoughts – The World’s End is a fun summer flick, while not original in terms of plot and use of the robots, it’s a refreshing, fun and very entertaining to watch. Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg concluded the Cornello trilogy on a high note. Great chemistry, fun characters and cool robots. This is a summer film you should check out.