Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Directed by: Lorene Scafaria Starring: Steve Carrell, Keira Knightley, Patton Oswalt Rating: R Release Date: June 22, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: After a year that featured such gloomy offerings as Melancholia, Take Shelter and Contagion, it’s nice that 2012 seems like it’ll be a bit more uplifting. One film that looks like it might warm the heart stars Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley. It’s a comedy about… um, the end of the world. Oh. Nevertheless, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World looks as though it will be the most charming apocalyptic film imaginable.
Despite being a fan of nearly the entire cast, I’ve been a bit leery about this one. This trailer helped assuage many of my concerns right off the bat. I love the opening – “...and we’ll be bringing you your countdown to the end of days along with all your classic rock favorites” – which does a good job of setting the tone for what comes after. And the tone seems to straddle the line between comedy and drama quite nicely. I initially thought the Carrell/Knightley pairing was odd, but after seeing it in action I’m much more at ease with it. They have a nice chemistry, and the relationship feels appropriate enough given the circumstances.
It might be too cute for some, but I enjoy the offbeat way writer/director Lorene Scafaria is approaching the end of the world. There’s something about people still working (and wearing casual Friday clothing any day of the week!) that amuses me. Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention Patton Oswalt’s funny, yet slightly sad scene. It all seems to have come together well, and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World looks like a humorous, heartfelt and potentially moving summer release.