'The World's End': Five Things You Should Know

The World’s End has been out for a week in the UK, but will be arriving in American theaters August 23rd. I was lucky enough to see it last night, as part of a triple feature with Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, and I’ll save my full review for the American release. But there are a few things you should know.

It’s Surprisingly Serious, As A Movie

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright are never shy about mixing genres; Shaun crossed the slacker romantic comedy with zombies, and Hot Fuzz is actually as much a riff off movies like The Wicker Man as Bad Boys II. Here, though, they cross the reunion film with a Doctor Who episode and Road House, and as a result, while the movie itself is fall-down funny, it gets pretty heavy in a few places. It can take the weight, of course, but it’s still a bit jolting.

Yes, I Said Road House

You’ll just have to see why for yourself, but I’m not making the comparison lightly. You will believe five well-respected British actors can kick ass, Frost in particular.

Simon Pegg Might Just Have His Best Role Here

After two movies of playing the responsible one, Pegg gets to play the immature guy who makes you laugh… and he plays it for all its worth. Pegg really nails this type of person; we all know a Gary King.

Go In Without Knowing Any Of The Cameos

There’s one in particular that’s really best paid off if you don’t know it’s coming, but if anybody starts discussing the cast, just close your eyes and scream LA LA LA! really, really loud. The payoffs are worth it.

It’s Easily One Of The Best Science Fiction Movies This Year

The World’s End is funny, intelligent, well-acted, grounded, and willing to turn a cliche on its head when it’s funny and embrace them when they’re fun. It’s also showing a bit more thematic depth than the last two movies, which is nice to see. Pegg, Frost, and Wright have all stated that they’ll work together again, but on something different from the tone of the Cornetto Trilogy, and this is a hell of a way to wrap it up.

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