‘The World’s End

 

For all the mystery surrounding the alien invasion plot line (which is mostly spoiled in the trailers), the extraterrestrial threat isn’t particularly engaging or fully-realized. It’s an adequate backdrop, allowing Gary and his friends to explore their past and reevaluate their kinship, but viewers hoping for explosive CGI spectacle or thought-provoking sci-fi ideas will likely be underwhelmed by the explanation (and onscreen encounters) pertaining to Newton Haven’s alien infestation. Most of the action and sci-fi set pieces in The World’s End take place in small confined areas with budgeted visuals – which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the other Cornetto films – but will, ultimately, limit the film’s appeal to non-returning fans.
The World’s End is another worthwhile team-up from Pegg and Wright as well as a welcome addition to their cult-favorite trilogy. That said, while the movie is a solid dramedy offering, it can be a bit robotic at times – not as funny or fresh as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. In place of over-the-top gags, the writers have pumped in a bit more depth – delivering a well-rounded film experience that could slightly disappoint some longtime Cornetto enthusiasts hoping for a bigger and zanier capstone to the series – while surprising other viewers with one of the pair’s better character stories. If The World’s End is, in fact, the end of their ice-cream inspired trilogy, Pegg and Wright have reason to be proud of the final installment – even if the assembled parts result in some contentious choices that could turn a few passionate fans into less enthusiastic Cornetto automatons.