Dynamic filmmaking trio Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost complete their Cornetto trilogy in The World’s End about five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier.
Before moving into superhero territory with the currently in pre-production ‘Ant-Man’, Edgar Wright returns alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for the closing chapter of the Cornetto trilogy that began back in 2004 with Shaun of the Dead.
With the highest budget of the now trilogy ‘The World’s End’ makes the most of the extra funds with good looking sets and more visual effects than we’ve seen in the previous films. It’s a good looking film that effectively captures both the more emotive and outlandish beats between the characters.
Despite the additional creative freedom that a higher budget no doubt brings, this film is well grounded alongside the previous collaborations. Without delving into spoiler territory fans can be assured that this film is driven by a wonderful and hilarious cast, and a genre mash up style that will keep audiences counting and comparing notes on the many references in the film.
Pacing wise things start off a little slowly as Wright takes us in one direction before shaking things up entirely, though by the end of the film reflecting on the entire tale its clear how the writing maintains its central themes bringing things back full circle by the grand finale. In fact despite the outlandish concepts riding high in this film, it’s impressive how many relatable emotional beats our group of characters manage to strike before wrapping things up in an entertaining fashion.
Bringing a strong script to life here is a fantastic cast, with excellent on screen chemistry and a few fun cameos along the way. Steer away from reading too far down the cast list so you can enjoy some of the surprises. What kept things interesting here of course is the onscreen relationship of Pegg and Frost being kept in the centre of the film, but avoiding the familiar dynamic between the two opting for something more quarrelsome with some role reversal thrown in for good measure.
Another highlight to watch out for are the fight scenes, ‘The World’s End’ delivers some great choreography and mixes it up with some physical humour that will play off audiences well.
‘The World’s End’ is brave enough not to simply revisit the proven formula of the previous films, so some fans may not get exactly what they are looking for. However the film is still packed with good humour, many pop culture references that will delight, and a lot of heart that will no doubt make a connection with audiences.
I’m giving ‘The World’s End’ 8 out of 10 stars, it’s out in cinemas around Australia from Thursday 1st August 2013.
Take a listen to our interview with Simon Pegg here.
