The Golden Mile

Hard at Work

Halloween is almost upon us and prior to that wonderful holiday I've managed to pack a few things in (like carving pumpkins. The BEST). One note worthy of mention is that the Mini is 100% fixed and on the market! And by market I mean the local craigslist. Its free and it works; craigslist that is, the Mini costs lots of green backs. Truthfully it is a good looking car, and I feel like I can fix anything on it now after getting into it (and expanding my random tool collection). Of course I still don't want one, but I am confident that it will bring the right consumer many more years of joy. I managed to pack away a couple 2013 sci-fi movies this past Sunday as well, Elysium and Oblivion, and they each had their charms and faults.

Neill Blomkamp wrote and directed Elysium just as he did District 9. I won't go on about how much I love that movie, but Neill teaming up with Matt Damon had its own successes as well. The special effects and futuristic weaponry are still awesome, exo-suits are practically always a win in my book, and the cold bitch of an antagonist played by Jodie Foster and her psycho ex-military henchman are a sweet combo. This movie still has a type of human condition theme and sheds light on topics of immigration, equality, etc a la District 9, but it is much more about the action and ass kicking this time around which results in a solid 5/7 Fox Tails. Oblivion was pretty cool in its own right, but relied on its action and special effects to support a story that could have been wrapped up in 40 minutes. I don't ever like to give away spoilers, but I feel Oblivion took an idea from this movie (click at your own discretion; PS its awesome) and ran with it as if they made it up. 
I know movies will have similarities, but this one kinda stood out. Still cool with sweet special effects, a few nice twists in the story, and an always spectacular Morgan Freeman, but not as original as its made out to be; I give 4/7 Fox Tails. 


Now I feel like I'm writing a mile just to reach the reason I was compelled to start this post; The World's End. I'm a Simon Pegg and Nick Frost fan to begin with; seriously, who didn't like Shaun of the Dead? Paul? Hot Fuzz? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway, this is about the Golden Mile. 12 pubs in 1 mile which leads to and therefore ends at The World's End pub. Glorious.

Truthfully the build up takes some time in this movie (as did my intro apparently, ha!); not only do they recollect the entire original failed attempt at the Golden Mile from 20 years prior, but then visit each of the 'five musketeers' in present day as well (who apparently have not so fond memories of Pegg's character, King, or of the Golden Mile attempt). But it is not all for naught as this is a seriously well thought out story. First, there are no blaring loose ends, which is crazy considering the ridiculous twists in the story line. The script reminded me of a Coen brothers film at parts, except the banter is generally faster paced and riddled with British slang and a topping of good ol' profanity. Even funnier is that the conversations build on each other as we progress through the film just as the main characters progress in their drunkenness. The chemistry between these guys is awesome to watch as everyone has moved on with their life into adulthood while King (remember Pegg) is grasping to his adolescence and apparently his last great memory of a journey unfulfilled; The Golden Mile.

 A few twists, a little insanity, blue blood (its more like ink), Pierce Brosnan, a chick with legs for arms, decapitations, marmalade sandwich, and of course lots of drinking. Once it got rolling, I could not stop laughing; it made me want to do a pub crawl myself! With the action mixed in to the fantastic script and the actors chemistry, this movie is an easy 6/7 Fox Tails. I want to give it 7, but I just can't this time. I definitely need to watch it again just so I can hear these guys spout on (preferably with a fresh pint in my hand this time) and work my abs from all the new laughs I'm sure to find on top of the originals. Experience says that these guys make movies with many layers so you can easily watch them multiple times and enjoy it again and again. I'm already looking forward to screenings 2 and 3. What are you looking forward to? Happy Halloween. Take 'er easy.