The World's End

Gary King (Simon Pegg) and his best mates believed they were on top of the world when they began their infamous pub crawl. But that was over 20 years ago, and while his friends have found that life could get better, Gary’s life did not. Hoping to recreate the “glory days,” Gary recruits the old gang to finish what they started long ago by visiting and drinking at all 12 pubs until they reach the last one, The World’s End. Little do they know how appropriate that name will be.

The collaborative team that made “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” are back this time with a similar effort in an apocalyptic sci-fi comedy that begins with the mostly down and out Gary desperately trying to recapture his youth with his (now) much more successful friends. Yet, as this reluctant group begins their sojourn, they notice that while the town may not have changed, the people have. Distant, aloof and strangely overly observant, the mystery deepens until a bathroom confrontation leads them to conclude that the townspeople have been replaced by robots, and if they don’t watch their step, they may be, too. So what are they to do? Finish the pub crawl, of course!

Objectionable Issues

Violence: Heavy to Extreme. Almost entirely visited upon their robotic, yet lifelike, foes, heads are crushed/severed, limbs torn off and robot blood, blue in color, is sprayed everywhere. No fatal human injuries are seen, and much of what is can be categorized as comic violence. Still, this is one very violent film.

Language: Extremely Offensive. The Lord’s name is taken in vain a dozen times, and Gary says on the ride over that the Bible is a work of fiction written by Jesus. In addition to this, the litany of curses are both vast and frequent, including almost a hundred instances of the “F” word, the “S” word at just over a dozen, and various euphemisms for both male and female genitals. The middle finger is also used in lieu of a verbal insult.

Sex/Nudity: Heavy. Aside from the language and sexual talk, which is very implicit, there is sex in a men’s restroom stall (not shown, but heard). One brief scene shows a man’s buttocks in a non-sexual manner. Gary makes an improper advance suggesting sex with a girl they once knew and the men discuss multiple partners and in particular a younger trio of girls at a club who are wearing school uniforms (all over 18). Andy (Nick Frost) is propositioned by one girl with a very blatant sexual offer, and a reference is also made in passing to gay sex.

Lessons

At first, Gary’s friends are surprised that he is able to talk Andy into the trip, as Gary had betrayed him in the past. In fact, Andy is the most reluctant and tells Gary later that “I would have followed you anywhere,” but for Gary’s abandoning him at an accident. The Word of God encourages us to have those friendships and not to rely just on family.

“Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you-better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” (Proverbs 27:10)

One of the town’s oldest residents explains that the aliens simply want to change us and have us merge with them into their collective. In other words, they are remaking the residents in their own image. Just as God first said, “Let us make man in our image…” (Genesis 1:26), so do the alien’s wish to alter our original design to their liking. As Christians, we understand that the great deceiver, Satan, has always been trying to supplant God’s place and like the aliens portrayed here the Bible warns us to be wary when it was said,

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Gary, in trying to justify his life explains, “I have freedom to do what I want, anytime I want.” Unlike any of his friends, Gary has led an undisciplined, pleasure seeking life that, as the Word of God says, will bring him no happiness, and he finally realizes that. In a moment of rare honesty, he admits, “That [1990] was supposed to be the beginning of the rest of my life. It was a big lie!” Unfortunately, his actions show what a slave he has become to those very same vices.

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19)

“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)

Gary, in part, represents the common man who, having gone down the path of self-indulgence, finds it very difficult, if not impossible, to turn back the clock and start anew. The Bible is very clear about the perils of this mind set and why this happens to so many who have rejected God.

“Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28)

Closing Thoughts: “The World’s End” is an off-beat comedy, with a seemingly irredeemable main character that will no doubt appeal to fans of their earlier movies. Funny at times, the film does flirt with hilarity, except for the constant distraction of perverse language and behavior. Based on its low brow humor level, it is aimed at both adults and teens, but should only be viewed by adults comfortable with this type of film and is most definitely not recommended to Christians, regardless of their sensibilities.

Violence: Heavy to extreme / Profanity: Extreme—“Jesus Christ” (2), “Jesus” (2), “Christ,” f-words (over 70), and many other vulgarities / Sex/Nudity: Moderate to heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.