Steve Carell has two modes : intergalactic and earth's core.
One see's him going bigger and broader with his characters than Jim Carrey could ever dream (Anchorman, Get Smart), the other reveals an internal ball of rage and sadness bubbling underneath a stone faced surface (Little Miss Sunshine, Dan In Real Life).
Thankfully, both modes are equally as enjoyable and satisfying to watch (unlike the patchwork cinematic mood swings of Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler) and with Seeking a Friend for the End of the World he delivers one of his most impressive doses of "shattered human being" thus far.
Set in a too-near future, a man searches for a meaningful connection as humanity's last days are at hand. Can he find his greatest love at the worst possible time?
As the respective journeys of Dodge (Steve Carell) and Penny (Keira Knightley) converge, the two spark to each other and their outlooks - if not the world's - brighten.
The interesting thing about Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is how well it all comes together when, on paper, it really shouldn't be anything more than a poor man's Harold & Kumar sequel.
It's the low key gravitas of Carrell which somehow takes this thing to a whole other level.
Structurally, this is a simple road trip / sketch comedy movie. In fact, these "stop offs" are played pretty broadly to the point of cartoonish by the excellent ensemble cast (in particular sequence where our two leads stop off at a TGI Friday's type restaurant) yet the sweet, chemistry laden, grounded performances from Carell and Knightley makes for an odd, if not satisfyingly unique, experience.
Director Lorene Scafaria never overplays the potential for easy tearjerk moments either. She leads from the front when it comes to the films wonderful overall underplayed tone.
As with any film with romantic intentions, audiences members who are feeling a little sappy or lovelorn at the time of viewing will get the most out of it (opinions of the film from "serial non-committed" friends of mine didn't dig it at all) so be warned.
That said, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is worth checking out if only to be in awe of Knightley's puppy dog eyes, Carell's masterclass in "internal rage acting" and Seth Cohen with a beard.
3.5 out of 5
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Australian release: 16th August, 2012 Official Site:Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Cast: Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Rob Corddry, Derek Luke, Melanie Lynskey, William Petersen Director: Lorene Scafaria
