Absolutely Anything (2017)
Rated PG-13
Starring Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Rob Riggle, Robin Williams, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Directed by Terry Jones
The Story:
When a group of all-powerful space aliens (voiced by the members of Monty Python) target Earth for destruction, they give infinite power to one soul to determine whether or not Earth is worth saving. That potential savior of the planet? Neil (Pegg). Of course when one learns that they have pretty much omnipotent power, saving the planet is usually the last thing on your mind.
Apparently released a few years back in the UK, this film is finally available on this side of the pond.
Pegg, as usual, carries the film as the comedic everyman whose personal wish fulfillment ability could doom all of mankind to destruction, or potentially save it.
Always embracing the manic and literal decision of the wishes (or lack of) the Neil tosses off casually and never realizing the Spidey mantra of "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility". Instead, his wishes are self-centered and while he often means well, his casual delivery often causes things to happen literally, much to Neil's chagrin.
While not the greatest entry into Pegg's film catalog, it's still solid and he makes the whole affair completely watchable. Surrounded with a strong supporting cast, there are enough laughs throughout and enough heart to make this one worth your time.
The film is also notable for being the final performance of Robin Williams who voices Dennis, Neil's dog.
It's also likely Jones' last feature as he was diagnosed with Dementia after this film was released, so this is likely the last time the surviving members of Monty Python will have a chance to act together, even if it is only their voices.
Final Grade: C+
