Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2013

What’s with all the apocalypse flicks? Lars von Trier’s obtuse Melancholia, Abel Ferrara’s artsy 4:44 Last Day on Earth. I blame the Mayans. What would you do? Options include orgies, drugs, rioting, suicide, sex, mass baptisms and mindlessly sticking to a routine. Lorene Scafaria’s earnest, gently romantic and somewhat dull road movie focuses on those who just want to find someone to be with at the end. Not a comedy. Steve Carell’s surprising dramatic perf is countered by Keira Knightley’s increasingly annoying mugging. Zero chemistry. Some will love this uneven pic. Call it a good try.