Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

With the world "ending" this year, it seems we need as many end of the world movies as possible. This is second best of the genre I have seen this year (the first being "Perfect Sense"). Despite being a mainstream romantic comedy, it doesn't follow a lot of patterns, and remains understated, not loud and brash like a lot of Carell's other comedies. The humor is smart, the characters are sympathetic, and the cast handles the subject matter with gusto. The supporting cast, and all of the cameos, give this film a well-rounded feel that lasts with you, after the film is over. I will say this is a happier, less annoying version of Lars Von Trier's whinny "Melancholia" that came out last year, except I don't think I laughed as hard at this. For different reasons, of course.

Grade: B+
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Martin Sheen
Director: Lorene Scafaria
Writer(s): Lorene Scafaria
RT: 101 min
Rating: R for language including sexual references, some drug use and brief violence