Generation Film!

With the arrival of The World’s End, the appropriately named last film in the acclaimed Three Colors Cornetto Trilogy written by modern parody masters actor Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, there is a bittersweet lingering feeling that seems to embody the tone of the film itself which can be described as humorously thoughtful. Not only has the script written by Pegg and Wright filled to the brim with exceptionally well timed gags, verbally humorous acrobatics, and some of their best friend character dynamics it also seems intent on reflecting inward toward the unwanted inevitability of growing up and how remaining in the past or refusing to acknowledge it can both be detrimental to personal growth. Edgar Wright’s latest stylish action parody takes aim at the science-fiction alien invasion genre that pays homage to notable classics, including Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Day the Earth Stood Still, while keeping the same dramatic structure that we’ve seen in both the budget cult zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead and the buddy cop satire Hot Fuzz. The script’s perceptive genre bending coupled with rapid fire witticisms, inventive action sequences, and interesting characters gives The World’s End a briskly chaotic feel after a fairly slow introduction that doesn’t have many breathing moments keeping you laughing, entertained, and safely contained in the creators zone of cinematic fun. The only criticism that could possibly be placed on Edgar Wright’s latest film is the fact that it doesn’t seem to embody the science-fiction genre in style, such as the grainy zombie atmosphere of Shaun of the Dead and the quick paced buddy cop setups in Hot Fuzz, but instead follows Wright’s intention on creating his own unique cinematic style formed and influenced by his work on Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. This is, however, a minor detail that flimsily drifts away in the midst of the absolute hilarity and all out fun that is thoroughly experienced in The World’s End. While the film borrows the classic theme of alien forced smiley faced utopian fascism versus the freedom to be a flawed human being that is a mere plot construct since the film is really about the frailty of friendships and the resistance to becoming a responsible adult leaving behind childish notions. Luckily for us, even though they might be contemplating their inevitable aging, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg clearly keep their childish imagination alive with The World’s End, an undeniably funny, clever, and homage filled science-fiction parody that should get the label of best comedy of the year so far.

More detailed review coming soon

Grade: A-