I cannot believe I didn't see The World's End in the theater when it came out last summer. I know we were all so hyper-focused on blockbuster movies at the time, but still, this is a true gem that totally escaped me. Until now, that is. I can honestly say I laughed harder during The World's End than I did during any other 2013 comedy movie I saw (and I saw some great ones). Do yourself a huge favor and get The World's End on DVD right now. I offered up a too-brief review last month, as part of a movie marathon excursion I was on, but I wanted to expand a bit and really emphasize how much I loved this film, and why I believe Simon Pegg is so brilliant.
Edgar Wright's The World's End is the kind of movie where I feel the need to be careful reviewing, to avoid potential spoilers. So consider this spoiler-free. I can tell you that basically, this film involves a group of middle-aged men who decide to revisit a pub crawl they had after graduating in their small town of Newton Haven - and finish it, this time. The final pub in their town's so-called "Golden Mile" is named, appropriately enough, The World's End. Have you ever done a pub crawl? Have you ever attempted to visit a dozen bars in one evening? I only made it to the fourth stop, even back in my partying days. This group, led by Gary King (Simon Pegg), a guy who essentially peaked back in high school, are going to try. You just know things are about to get really, really interesting and funny. All is not what it seems.
The World's End is a science-fiction action comedy. But more than that, this is a movie that, in my opinion, doesn't just exist to be outrageously funny (and it certainly is). There is a deeper theme going on in The World's End, one which involves Gary, played wonderfully by Simon Pegg. All of Gary's buddies have moved on with their lives. They're reasonably happy. They don't go out and get stinking drunk anymore for kicks. They're settled into their lives, which Gary finds boring and dull. Gary is still a free spirit: He can't hold a job, he drinks (way) too much, and he has no need for such silly things as a wife, a family, and steady employment. In other words, Gary needs to move on and get his life straight.
Simon Pegg plays Gary King almost too perfectly, allowing us to laugh at his outrageous boorishness and simultaneously root for him to get his life together. We're totally invested in his character by the time the film reaches its conclusion. Now, for those who have seen The World's End, I ask you this: Should Simon Pegg be considered as a potential best actor nominee for this year's Academy Awards? The idea honestly hadn't occurred to me, because I've been so focused on the Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Chiwetel Ejiofor hype, but kudos to Indiewire for suggesting that Pegg should, indeed, be considered.
Pegg is a fantastic actor, and one of the best working today in my opinion. His cast mates, including Nick Frost, Eddie Marsan, Martin Freeman and Paddy Considine, are masters of British comedy, too. The World's End boasts a perfect cast, one of the best I've ever seen assembled for any comedy movie, ever.
And yes, if you are a fan of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, you'll love The World's End. I suspect if you're an Edgar Wright fan you've already seen The World's End anyway - probably more than once. But I am curious: For fans of Wright, which of these three movies is your favorite, and why? Personally, I am starting to believe, after repeat viewings, that The World's End is actually my favorite. It's just as funny as Hot Fuzz and Shaun, but it also leaves us with a bigger message as well. The ending wasn't the best I've seen, but it was adequate enough and certainly matched the whole over the top vibe of the rest of the film.
Quick note: The World's End is most definitely an adult comedy. This isn't one you want on while the kiddos are playing in the next room. Wait for bedtime before you pop this one in, then kick back and get ready to laugh your socks off.
Photos courtesy of Movie Ramblings and Slate.com
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