​FILMS

absolutely anything

2015 review number 179:

Absolutely Anything: (Comedy/Science Fiction): 65 out of 100: Judging by the reviews on the Rotten Tomatoes website, you would think that this British production is one of the worst films of the year. The IMDb score of around 6/10 is more of a reflection than the 9% positive reviews currently held on Rotten Tomatoes. Enjoying Simon Pegg's comedic performances along with laughing at some silly humour will go a long way towards appreciating this mildly amusing take on a man with all the powers in the world.

 

A group of aliens hovering in their spaceship in space (the voices of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones) decide to give magical powers to a teacher named Neil (Simon Pegg) to see what he will do with the 'gift'. If he uses it for personal gain and acts selfishly, then the extra terrestrials will destroy Earth, however if he uses his powers for the benefit of mankind, Earth will not be annihilated. Once he discovers he has magical powers, he has more confidence in wooing his neighbour, Catherine (Kate Beckinsale) and even making his dog talk (the voice of Robin Williams). These are just two of the wishes that are granted but he soon realises that having the gift of doing whatever he likes is not easy to control. 

 

Pegg is the main reason to see this comedy as he is a natural comedian who is likable and appealing. The Monty Python reunion where the aliens are voiced by the team of veteran comedians isn't that grand as their dialogue is devoid of much humour. Even the special effects to bring these creatures to life look rather cheap. Rob Riggle overacts at times as the ex-boyfriend of Catherine while Kate Beckinsale brings some warmth and beauty to her role as Neil's neighbour. Williams isn't as funny and animated as he has been in previous speaking roles.

 

As comedy is so subjective, a lot of the humour featured in the story will not appeal to those who prefer sophisticated comedies. There's a fair bit of slapstick and juvenile humour but if you don't mind this type of comedy, you are sure to laugh in quite a few scenes. It's not a movie that's memorable by any stretch of the imagination but you will be treated to mindless entertainment if you like Simon Pegg and humour which is easily seen on the surface. There's not much logic but one thing is guaranteed, you won't be using your brain too often to think. 

 

Starring Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Rob Riggle and Eddie Izzard

(85 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, sexual references, violence and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits there are scenes of Robin Williams recording the voice of the dog, Dennis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CYVGN98ZLA (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Friday November 27th, 2015)

 

For my latest reviews, go to this link: http://mlaimlai2.wix.com/magical-movie-review