The World’s End (Dir. Edgar Wright, 2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it is very hard for me to watch a movie about people drinking. In fact, I absolutely could not stomach Leaving Las Vegas because it was so true to life. And I love Nicholas Cage and it is one of his best performances. But I could not finish it. So, I did not have any desire to see The World’s End, especially since I haven’t really enjoyed Edgar Wright’s other movies (though now I will give movies like Hot Fuzz another chance).

I loved this movie. I can’t rationalize it. I can’t convince you why it is great. I thought Gary King (Simon Pegg) was hilarious and yes, a dead ringer for one of my best friends Edwin. I loved the odd mesh of buddy comedy and science fiction. I really loved the epilogue, which was not expected and I will say no more.

Gary King is a heroic individual. His fight is for humanity and our need to do stupid things. And he really is the uniting force among his friends. Many of those friendships would have dissolved long ago without this man who refuses to grow up. As adults, they do seem unlikely friends. But their bond is strong and clear. And the heroic quest to drink one pint at 12 pubs became like a Homeric adventure. It was so strange and wacky and hilarious.

I never thought that formula could work. But the Stepford Wives type science fiction story totally sold me on the movie. I loved how the “empties” body parts fell apart like legs with blue ink blood. The action sequences were awesome and became somewhat surreal.

It’s the funniest movie I have seen in a long time, but not a movie for everyone. But it fit my sensibilities perfectly.