Cleveronix A different way of telling a story

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Michael Ledo Neil (Simon Pegg) is a teacher who dreams about his neighbor (Kate Beckinsale) and loves his dog (Robin Williams). When the film combines STAR TREK 1 and BRUCE ALMIGHTY, aliens give Neil absolute power as a test for the survival of all of mankind.The film has potential and it had its moments. The absolute powers follow precise speech with no regard to consequences. I kept waiting for the film to get better and have the big laugh. It didn't happen. The high point was using the cast of Monty Python as the voices for aliens.Guide: A couple of F-bombs. Brief nude female torso

edwithmj Simon Pegg plays the same character in all of his films; it was funny in Shaun of the Dead but it grew tired quickly and bizarrely he still does it. Needless to say Simon Pegg's "everyman" character is every bit as annoying as it was the last dozen or so times he played it. I found myself transfixed more on his hair transplant than his lines.The talking dog played by Robin Williams could have been done so much better. The lines the dog was given were like a cross between Dr Dolittle and What Women Want: "what if a dog could talk?! Oh I bet it would say how much it likes biscuits and wants to hump your leg!" Predictable bilge.The "chemistry" between Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg was strained and unbelievable. There is no way that she would like or even consider Pegg's charisma-less neighbour. We also never find out why Rob Riggle's character liked her so much or the details of how they met. Speaking of Rob Riggle, I expected more from him really.Eddie Izzard was completely bland in this. He can't act, he's not funny and he should stick to walking around in lipstick and his pink beret preaching the virtues of a "fair and equal society" while enjoying his millions like the rest of his celebrity peers.The aliens were completely unnecessary and the "Monty Python" "team" playing them were humourless too. "Monty Python" was and never will contain an ounce of humour: just tired jokes and idiotic quirkiness.The only saving grace of the film is the exploration of questions like what would happen if everyone had enough food that they wanted and a home they wanted. However, despite knowing the film was a "comedy", I found myself nitpicking for plot holes. I lost count of the number of times Pegg's dull character could've wished to improve things. On one occasion, his friend begged him to stop some woman literally worshipping him, which he could've done in a second but of course he was too busy so we were treated to more of this stretched out, unimaginative "joke".The ending was also nonsensical. Why would the aliens give anyone enough power to destroy them? Very disappointing.

Patrick Henry Leavy Critics have said that Terry Jones' latest film is a disappointment, considering this is likely his last film. I would say the real disappointment is that with the sun setting on Terry Jones' career, the critics of our day are still as bloodthirsty, ruthless, and petty as they have always been and that he has to suffer for it. If you aren't aware, his mental condition is such that Jones no longer has the capacity for speech/communication; it's like a variation of Parkinson's - he is still in good physical health otherwise (John Cleese and Eric Idle have only recently made this public on their most recent tour together). Now I'm not saying that because of Jones' condition that they should take it easy on him; I'm saying that they've always been hypercritical and they fact that they are taking it out on a sick old man is just extra vile. Add to that what may now truly be Robin Williams' swan(dog) song and the last reunion of the 5 living Pythons on screen and we have ourselves a travesty - this film never had a chance to be welcomed as all the talents involved deserved. It's not the most unique premise, to be certain - summing it up easiest would be "a secular Bruce Almighty". Jokes and gags are clever, cheeky, and kept me chuckling throughout. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could not laugh when Simon Pegg's wishes are hilariously misinterpreted. Seriously, did I mention Simon Pegg is in this? If you are a fan, that should be enough to pique your interest and it's quite an entertaining hour and 25 minute jaunt.

studioAT It's rare that a film disappoints so much as this one.The main reason for this is because you see the talent involved. Simon Pegg! The Monty Python team! Robin Williams! All of whom sadly seem to have left their comedy timing on the bus on route to the film set.This is childish, unfunny stuff from start to finish. It feels like a teen novel stretched too far, with a misleading array of stars conning you into thinking it will get better when it really doesn't.Pegg's Mr Likable persona is getting tired, and the script doesn't help him lift this film beyond average.The one small highlight is Robin Williams, who we all miss dearly. He steals every scene he's in.