The science fiction comedy tries to combine the best elements of its successors ” the fast-paced dialogue and cinematography of Hot Fuzz and the dystopia parody narrative of Shaun of the Dead ” but fails.
The World’s End is about four middle aged former high school friends reuniting to tackle the ‘golden mile’ of pubs in their hometown prompted by group leader and dropkick Gary King, played by Simon Pegg, only to discover the town has been taken over by an alien race of robots.
With groan-worthy predictable twists and King as an unlikable anti-hero, The World’s End lacks the subtle brilliance of director and co-writer Edgar Wright’s previous two creations.
The saviour of the movie is Nick Frost’s character Andy, King’s former wing man, and the other friends’ back stories and reactions to coming home.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW
But these stories are only touched on briefly and an unrealistic ending poorly attempting to come full circle is crammed in.
Wright’s effort to branch out from his successful film formula has ended in a mutant movie that lacks the great narrative of his previous works but keeps their bells and whistles and while it entertains, it never excels.