Read Positive User Reviews for Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

7

TomNHJun 30, 2012

I thought I saw this movie two weeks ago when I saw the trailer and knew exactly where it was going. That was true for the first quarter of the movie (where they got most of the trailer) and the next hour was fairly predictable and then theI thought I saw this movie two weeks ago when I saw the trailer and knew exactly where it was going. That was true for the first quarter of the movie (where they got most of the trailer) and the next hour was fairly predictable and then the movie takes a turn and it will be a movie you'll think about for a long time. Worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

genuinerealistJun 23, 2012

This is going to be one of the true 'love-it-or-hate-it' movies of recent years. I loved it, so give it a ten. What may frustrate some is that the film (though consistent throughout) does not reveal its intentions until the last third. ItThis is going to be one of the true 'love-it-or-hate-it' movies of recent years. I loved it, so give it a ten. What may frustrate some is that the film (though consistent throughout) does not reveal its intentions until the last third. It isn't a rom-com. It's a flat out romance. Although there are a lot of really funny comic flourishes, it isn't a comedy. What the screenplay portrays in superbly natural but affecting dialog is the growing intimacy of Dodge (hero) and Penny (heroine) in this horrific situation. Most of this is done in subtext, as the picture depicts the various reactions ordinary human beings have to the impending apocalypse. When the picture finally opens up and reveals that its subject all along has been the relationship of these two, the effect is tremendously moving. The final moments are emotionally satisfying to a degree that few love stories never achieve. I am totally at odds with the critics who found this cliched or trite - what the hell do you expect people to say to each other as the world ends?

Knightly is excellent. Carrell is Oscarworthy. Her character is late 20's, early 30's. His is 40ish. The age discrepancy is not crazy, and in fact works fairly well in the movie. (She has energy, he has a little more wisdom, and is mildly protective.) The picture in my view is a masterpiece. Others will disagree, but you at least have reasons why those in the 'love' camp find the picture so endearing.… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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10

StacyHornJun 27, 2012

What a lovely, quietly moving film. I just got back. I can't help comparing it to Melancholia, which I also loved, and there was certainly things Melancholia got better (cinematography) but Steve Carrell made this one for me. Everyone wasWhat a lovely, quietly moving film. I just got back. I can't help comparing it to Melancholia, which I also loved, and there was certainly things Melancholia got better (cinematography) but Steve Carrell made this one for me. Everyone was great, but Steve Carrell took it into the stratosphere.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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10

RichieBoyJun 23, 2012

I shall not exert much energy in attempting to convince a skeptical American audience that this little masterpiece is worthy of accolades beyond the mundane it has garnered. But in truth it is such and far beyond. This film walks one of thoseI shall not exert much energy in attempting to convince a skeptical American audience that this little masterpiece is worthy of accolades beyond the mundane it has garnered. But in truth it is such and far beyond. This film walks one of those fine lines that require respect for drama, comedy and original thought. If you anticipate a comedy, it inhabits more than its moments of articulate as well as lower case laughter. If you admire drama, Mr. Carrel and Ms. Knightly combine to alter the consciousness of films such as 'Melancholia' and "Tree of Life'. Only the Ewan McGregor prize "Perfect Sense' comes close to capturing the essence of a humanity in its last breath. This motion picture does it all. Steve Carrel… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

DemoraseAug 17, 2012

It's not a perfect movie, it's clunky and drags too long at times, but in the end this is the kind of movies that will stick with me for a long time after seeing it. The funny thing is that the movie is trying to illustrate that all theIt's not a perfect movie, it's clunky and drags too long at times, but in the end this is the kind of movies that will stick with me for a long time after seeing it. The funny thing is that the movie is trying to illustrate that all the little things that bother you in life don't matter in the end, that it's all about the people and things you love, that those are the things you'll remember at the end of it all. And the movie embodies that very idea oh so well by being itself a mixed bag, but just like life it's not the pesky problems that you remember at the end, it's the good times. For this reason "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" gets exponentially better as time goes by after seeing it, such a beautiful movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

LeezuhhlJul 5, 2012

Touching movie. This is truly for the romantics out there. And if you're not, Steve Carell's performance will make you one. His Oscar worthy performance sells it. Keira is a great support by being the free spirit. Despite the age gap, itTouching movie. This is truly for the romantics out there. And if you're not, Steve Carell's performance will make you one. His Oscar worthy performance sells it. Keira is a great support by being the free spirit. Despite the age gap, it works! Simply put, this movie is for the inner romantic in each of us, even if we're cynical of everything else. Didn't know what to expect when I walked in the theatre, but came up smiling big and feeling hopeful.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

metamotivcriticJun 23, 2012

The first point to be made here is that I certainly wouldn't choose Betsy Sharkey or A. O. Scott or the previous "users" as my critics of choice for the end of the world (though some would certainly qualify for the role of buzz-kill if IThe first point to be made here is that I certainly wouldn't choose Betsy Sharkey or A. O. Scott or the previous "users" as my critics of choice for the end of the world (though some would certainly qualify for the role of buzz-kill if I needed one.). This is a surprisingly sweet movie (an observation from someone who usually doesn't like "sweet" movies), and it is precisely the setting of this rather corny but affecting relationship element against the "dark" but never-taken-too-seriously background of the "end of the world" that makes it so effective. (Apparently some people were expecting "Dinner with Schmucks" while others wanted either "On the Beach" or John Paul Sartre.) I don't usually like Steve Carell (too glib) and think that Keira Knightley is somewhat overrated. But here Carell's basic "sweetness" (that word again) and decency shine through his deadpan performance, and Knightley proves to be a surprisingly charming comedienne. (Sorry, I didn't see the Pirates of the Carribbean movies.) The script is admittedly uneven, but there are nevertheless some great moments (esp., the lame boyfriend, but also the cop who insists on giving the tickets despite the impending apocalypse and the employer asking the few remaining employees who wants to be CFO). More importantly, it is the evolving (albeit not entirely believable--though Scott's "copping a cuddle" seems misanthropic in the extreme) relationship between the two opposite "losers in love" and the fact that, once again, the writer never takes herself too seriously (unlike, for example, Lans von Trier) that makes the movie both likable and fairly touching.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

SeeEm_CallEmJun 24, 2012

This is one of those films that just works for me. Given the basic story, such as it is, it would be difficult to make this movie work. Yet the handling of the details, the craftsmanship of the writers and actors, etc. do make it work.This is one of those films that just works for me. Given the basic story, such as it is, it would be difficult to make this movie work. Yet the handling of the details, the craftsmanship of the writers and actors, etc. do make it work. And it works at different levels as well. It is not a comedy, yet has moments that are very funny. Certainly this film won't be for everybody, but for a lot of people, I believe it will.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

Knicksfan7Jul 1, 2012

First off, every romantic movie is predictable, everybody knows that so don't use that as a reason for negativity in this film. Also yes, its a romantic comedy about Dodge (Carell) who meets a friend (Knightely) as he eventually decides toFirst off, every romantic movie is predictable, everybody knows that so don't use that as a reason for negativity in this film. Also yes, its a romantic comedy about Dodge (Carell) who meets a friend (Knightely) as he eventually decides to search for the "love of his life". Exciting plot? No of course not, so yes its going to be dull, but what you have to do is watch the film with a heart and a brain and put yourself in the characters position. Thats exactly what i did and i enjoyed this film. It was a great plot, great acting, and a good overall feel to the film. Yes the ending is awfully predictable but what ending isn't predictable these days? Unless its a movie like Fight Club with a twist ending, but are we looking for such a thing in a romantic comedy? I think not. This was a very relaxing and enjoyable film filled with good and bad emotions. I give Seeking a Friend for the end of the world an 8/10. The only reason i don't give it a ten is because frankly i expected a little more comedy involved but it was still a great film, and a nice break from blockbuster action films that fill up the summers schedule.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

GeorgeBaileyJul 14, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Curiously, some reviewers were expecting this to be a rip-snorting laughathon. It isn't. The end of the world is not exactly comedy box-office, and this was never going to be "40 year-old virgin meets Deep Impact".

But nor is it sombre, either. Gentle playing from two engaging leads, some amusing touches, and the question we are all expected to ask ("What should you do if you know the world is going to end next week?") is satisfyingly answered: what you should do for the whole of your life. The answer's in the title, and if that's too romantic for some, that's too bad.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

hoops2448Oct 14, 2012

This is not a happy story, this film will in no way end happily. However that doesn't mean there isn't great humour, joy and warmth in this wonderfully crafted movie by first time director Lorene Scafaria. Seeking a Friend for the End of theThis is not a happy story, this film will in no way end happily. However that doesn't mean there isn't great humour, joy and warmth in this wonderfully crafted movie by first time director Lorene Scafaria. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is the story of Dodge (Steve Carrell), a man living with regret that his life has had no meaning. This regret is magnified by the fact his wife has left him and he has possibly the worst friends ever. Oh and there's the fact the world is going to end in 3 weeks thanks to a giant asteroid. This puts Dodge in a reflective mood and he thinks of his past love and whether he can see her again. Meanwhile free spirited Penny (Keira Knightley) living underneath him is torn up over the fact she missed the last flight to England and will never see her family again. Through various hijinks the two collide and vow to help each other. It's an unusual film in that the premise is so incredibly depressing and upsetting but the result is down to earth, clever and heartwarming. The film handles some serious themes but never lets them overburden the film as a whole. The discussion of mortality in the film is incredibly moving as Dodge wishes he had made the most of his life but always knew he wouldn't live long where as Penny wants to live if only because she doesn't feel fulfilled. The most surprising thing about the film is that it dares to be risque and crude in its comedy while delivering a finished product that will touch even the most cynical of people. The supporting cast is extensive and there is not a weak link in the bunch, which includes Patton Oswalt and William Petersen to name but a few. However the film wouldn't work without its two leads and both Carrell and Knightley give career high performances, especially the latter who tones down her performance to match the characters quiet yet frantic nature. It's a film that will surprise and impress with every twist and encounter right up to its final conclusion which may or may not have you weeping like a baby.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

GreatbealloJun 30, 2012

Think Dan in Real Life combined with Melancholia, except that this film isn't as good as either of those. I liked this movie, but it's not really a comedy. It's more of a apocalyptic romance with the occasional humorous anecdote. Don't expectThink Dan in Real Life combined with Melancholia, except that this film isn't as good as either of those. I liked this movie, but it's not really a comedy. It's more of a apocalyptic romance with the occasional humorous anecdote. Don't expect to be laughing too much. I'm a fan of Carell and Knightly, and they both play their parts well. I was satisfied, though I think it could have been better. 7.5 rounded up to an 8.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

beingryanjudeAug 29, 2014

Relevant and fitting for the times we live in. Steve Carell and Keira Knightley are marvelous together in this end of the world number. Critics largely misunderstood it's wit, detail and fascination.