Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What's On Netflix?: SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD


While perusing Netflix the other day, I came across this film.  I remember when it was in theaters, right around the same time as Brave, Ted, and The Amazing Spider-Man.  I remember wanting to see it, and hearing good things, but I just never got around to watching it.  But with it being on Netflix, I finally got the chance to check it out, and I'm glad I did.


I wasn't sure what to expect from it.  There have been several other "end of the world" films released since Seeking A Friend... came out, such as The World's End, This Is The End and Snowpiercer, so I didn't know how this one would fare, but I have to say, I really enjoyed it.


Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World takes places during the final three weeks on Earth, as an asteroid named 'Matilda' rockets toward the planet.  Insurance salesman, Dodge Peterson, attempts to maintain a routine life after his wife, Linda, leaves him.  He meets his neighbor, Penny, who is upset because she missed the final flight home to see her parents one last time.  So, Dodge and Penny set out on a trek to see the people they love one final time before it's too late.


This film was written by Lorene Scafaria, and is also her directorial debut.  She previously wrote the screenplay for the 2008 romantic dramedy, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which was received very well by critics.  I really liked the direction and writing in this film, other than a few odd tonal shifts.  It's not your typical romantic comedy or end-of-the-world film.


These are the kinds of films I love to see Steve Carell star in.  It gives him the chance to spread his dramatic wings while still showing his comedic chops.  And Keira Knightley was wonderful in her role as Penny.  We don't normally see her in roles like this, which is a shame, because it suits her.  Also, their chemistry together really worked for me, showing that opposites really can attract.  We also get appearances from Adam Brody, Connie Britton, Rob Corddry, Amy Schumer, Patton Oswalt, T.J. Miller, and Martin Sheen.

Overall, I loved how they took the concept of a world-ending event and spun it into a romantic dramedy.  Seeing how people would react during a time like this was definitely believable.  As I said earlier, the only thing I had an issue with were some odd tonal changes between certain scenes.  And, although some people felt the ending was anticlimactic, I thought it was the perfect way to end this movie.

The Merc's Score: 7/10

Make sure to check us out and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!!

No comments:

Post a Comment