Perhaps you preferred Bruce Almighty more than Absolutely Anything. The cast of the film includes Simon Pegg, Robin Williams and Monty Python but they tell a story that is very similar to that of another movie from 2003 where Jim Carrey was granted god-like powers. So the audience will compare it not in any flattering way. The central idea remains alike although here the actual God does not make a person god-like; this is done by some obnoxious aliens.
They call themselves the “Intergalactic Council of Superior Beings” and are played by John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones who wrote as well as directed this film. These extraterrestrials want to wipe out Earth except that legal process must be followed before they can issue their “destruction order”.
Instead they randomly choose an earthling and bestow ultimate power on him or her as long as such a person proves himself or herself worthy then the earth will stay. Almost Sarah Palin becomes nearly the guinea pig – which is actually funny because of this script – before Neil Clarke, a school teacher in London takes his position.
Neil is likable man-child. Much like most British movies he’s being portrayed by Simon Pegg for some reason making it easier to tolerate his often infantile and moronic behavior. However, what disappoints is how little Neil does with his power. He starts off with simple self-centered desires; a better physique, huge dick and well-behaved kind kids with thirst for knowledge. Neil brings back some dead people sadly though not hilariously at all. Also he confers speech together with rational thought on his dog apparently so that he has someone amusing beside him.
Afterwards however film gets trapped in romantic sub-plot where Catherine (Kate Beckinsale) lives in Neil’s apartment building but knows him only vaguely as an acquaintance rather than anything else. Thus, what happens in this case is a story of boy-meets-girl-he-barely-knows, boy-commands-girl-as-god-like-being and girl-falls-in-love-with-boy-because-that’s-how-the-movie-has-to-end.
Instead it is disappointing as the comedy potential and wider implications are so strong in its premises. For a moment, Neil tries to deal with hunger, war, homelessness and global warming. However the film makers abandon this approach after only some few minutes too soon to concoct an unfunny climax that involves an insane ex-boyfriend belonging to Catherine. In addition there seems to be an awful lot of coincidence and contrivance involved; Neil’s capacity for being given these powers seems to malfunction whenever the script needs it to or when he feels like using them randomly instead of rationally.
In spite of this, some moments are humorous on earth, thanks to Pegg’s character and in space through Pythons’ exchanges. However, most of the comedy is child-centered but there is also a range of adult jokes mainly focused on Neil’s sexual experiences. This makes it an inconsistent piece and a very disappointing one if we consider all the talented people involved. Too bad as this film has tremendous potential but Jones and his co-writer Gavin Scott fail to develop any interesting ideas from the premise, so often leaving it the second best of its brilliant predecessor that was smarter and funnier.
Judgement
Terry Jones could have done absolutely anything with this high-concept set-up but chose to go down the romantic comedy route. This would be alright if they were more funny than they are. It is therefore a loosely stitched string of sketches; some raise giggles while others provoke grumbles from viewers.
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