“Capping off a truly fantastic weekend the only way I know how, by cramming in as many movies as possible. Today called for a trek to Kendall Square Cinema for Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. I was just there a couple days ago for Safety Not Guaranteed. The feelings elicited by the two were such opposite.
Safety had kind of a sarcastic depressing feeling throughout most of it, but ended on such a happy and uplifting note. While Friend started off in the darkness, most of it had a sarcasticly hopeful feel to it, and then the ending was just depressing. I mean c’mon, we are talking about a movie about the end of the world.
To be completely honest, the concept of this movie scares the \m/ out of me. Its not that I’m afraid of the world coming to an end. It’s that I’d be afraid of knowing exactly how long until it happened. I wouldnt have the first clue how to live in a world with no consequences. I plan things. I dislike uncertainty. I need order and structure. I srsly would not know what to do with myself if I had to make decisions in the moment without thinking about their effects down the line. That’s just not me. Watching the movie had me stressing over what I would do in that situation. Go home to see my mom and gorge on Mexican food? Stay holed up here and marathon my favorite movies as long as the power holds out? I’m on the verge of a panic attack just thinking about it.
But the movie was a fun ride. It becomes more of a buddy road trip movie and you forget about the impending doom. I was a little disappointed in Steve Carell, not because he was bad, but because it seems like his sorta downer loser character is all we ever see of him. You could have swapped his character with the one in Crazy Stupid Love and no one would have ever noticed the difference. He plays it well, but the man is capable of so much more. He’s created some iconic comedic characters so I expect greatness.
On the flip side, this was a very different role for Keira Knightly. This is the first time since her career really skyrocked that we’ve seen her having fun. Yes, she’s a fantastic actress and can handle difficulty and meaty roles (there was a trailer for Anna Karenina before the movie that has me quite intrigued) but part of why Hollywood fell in love with her in Pirates is because of her fun and whimsical spirit that lies beneath her stoic surface. I feel like this is the role that’s allowed her to most be herself, and I loved it.
I’m also loving the dogs that have been appearing in indies lately. This one wins for most clever name (besides spoiling, it doesnt make sense out of the context of the movie so lips sealed). Reminded me a lot of the pooch last summer in Beginners. I think they could have been friends.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – \m/ \m/ \m/ \n