What would happen if instead of Morgan Freeman an alien gave you god like powers? That’s the basic premise of Absolutely Anything, a sci-fi comedy with Simon Pegg that basically posits the same scenario as Bruce Almighty but with aliens granting some extraordinary powers to an average guy instead of them coming from divinity.
Neil (Pegg) is a school teacher given god-like powers as a test of humanity by some wacky aliens (the Monty Python gang). Shenanigans ensue, of course, as the powers are meant as a test of Earth’s beings and whether or not they should be allowed to survive. Throw in Robin Williams in one of his final roles as the voice of Neil’s dog and you have the setup for something hilarious.
The problem is that despite the fact that it sounds like the set up for a hilarious, big budget blockbuster Absolutely Anything is a low budget film that feels like it was used for a tax write off than for its proper abilities as a film. Despite a loaded cast this is a lazy sci-fi film that borrow so heavily from Bruce Almighty that one wonders why the writing team from that film wasn’t credited in some way.
If you’re looking for something funny with a sci-fi bent, and like Simon Pegg, stick with Paul. It’s a much better film than this one.
No extras.
20th Century Fox presents Absolutely Anything. Directed by Terry Jones. Written by Jones and Gavin Scott. Starring Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Rob Riggle, Eddie Izzard. Run Time: 85 minutes. Rated R. Released on: 6.27.17
