PLEASE NOTE: this review discusses the ending in some detail, so beware of SPOILERS!!!
It probably goes without saying that I AM the sort of nerd who has an affinity with the output of Messers Pegg, Wright and Frost; I've seen too much cult TV, too many movies (or maybe not enough of the right ones!), played too many video games, and read too many graphic novels. So, it also goes without saying that I've enjoyed all of their work - including, of course, those rightful cult-classics 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz'. However, when it came to 2011's 'Paul' - as amusing as that was at times - I couldn't help but feel that just maybe Pegg & Frost's nerdy schtick - the preponderance of pop-culture references and jokes - was, well, beginning to wear a bit thin. Both are actors of some talent that stretches far beyond comedy, and the path they were furrowing down seemed to be starting to limiting them. Not so much Wright, who with 2010's Scott Pilgrim showed his visual style was still developing, as well as the character-based comedy chops which he had already ably demonstrated.
So, the pressure to return to complete their 'Cornetto Trilogy', started by 'Shaun' and continued in 'Fuzz', might have seen them play it safe - more of the same, easy laughs and pop-culture references. I'm pleased to say, however, that it's not.
Initially, this makes the film seem something of a disappointment. The jokes are more subtle than in its predecessors - apart from the more broad gags we've already seen in the trailers - and few seem to get the big laughs of the notable jokes of 'Shaun' and 'Fuzz'; there are stand outs though, notably one about the homogenisation of chain pubs. Having said that, there are some subtle and welcome nods to the previous films in the 'Trilogy' which fans will enjoy (look out for some actors you may better recognise in their zombified form..! ;-) ). Also, there's more of a down-beat atmosphere about this film, with its musings on growing up, regret, changing relationships and nostalgia for things which weren't really as we remember them (and that's before you get to the apocalyptic elements!). Add to that the fact that, to be honest, Pegg's Gary King is not as likable a character as Shaun or PC Angel, and almost seems a bit one note to begin with - however by the end of the film, as we learn more about him, his back story and motivations, it's easier to appreciate the character. Whilst there is humour to be found in the interplay and relationships between the five main characters, it's not the big laughs which audiences have been used recently to with the likes of 'Bridesmaids' and 'The Hangover' - as well as 'Shaun' and 'Fuzz'. Those films have become something of cinematic-Prozac, great escapist entertainment that - no matter how many times you've seen them - are well worth watching again and again, and are still funny.
But 'The World's End' is different; not only because of the aforementioned dwelling on these pretty deep issues, but because this film actually has some pretty big ideas on its mind. And seeing as there is a large sci-fi element to it, this is more than appropriate. Sure, there's slap-stick and action as our heroes fight their way through alien automatons to make it to the titular pub, but when we get there we get an ending which at first seems a bit bleak (especially for a comedy) - however it may well be the cleverest thing that Pegg & Wright have done so far.
When confronted with the reality of the Alien's plans for not just Newton Haven, but the entire planet, Pegg's Gary King and his mates make a stand - although these plans could actually benefit the human race, but sadly involve a few thousand people being killed and 'replaced' with automatons. After convincing the Aliens that the Human race cannot be subdued in this way, the Aliens leave, destroying all the technology they taught us (basically anything involving computers, communications or the internet) in the 20 years since they arrived - leaving us in an almost medieval, pre-industrial existence.
After the warmer, more upbeat endings of 'Shaun' and 'Fuzz', the way 'The Worlds End' concluded at first left me feeling disappointed and dis-spirited. But the more I thought about it in the following days, it occurred to me that there are a number of ways to look at this ending: messages about the indomitability of the human spirit, about our over-reliance on technology - even that the human flaw to slack off and not fulfill our potential could ultimately lead to the human race's downfall!
This is a comedy which, unlike its predecessors, or its peers even, really wants to make you think, as well as make you laugh. Pegg and Wright have always shown the utmost understanding and respect of genre in their previous work, therefore it is only appropriate that their melding of comedy with sci-fi should prompt reflection and questioning, as all the best sci-fi does. It actually invites re-watching, not simply as pure escapism, but to further engage with the ideas and themes at its heart.
And if nothing else, the ending does something its predecessors didn't: it sets up a potential on-going world, or mythology (if you will), which has the greatest sequel potential of the three films. 'The Further Adventures of the Once-and-Future King and his Musketeers in the Apocalyptic Wastelands', anyone?
Ok, I'm sure Pegg and Wright would come up with a far better title - but I just wanted to put the idea out there... ;-)
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