Final Performance Of Comedy Legend Lives On In Critically Panned Sci-Fi, Stream Now
Sometimes, the sheer amount of talent behind a single television or film project is enough to make you drop what you’re doing and tune in, certain that you’ve landed on a winner. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes even the best writers, actors, and filmmakers can churn out a certifiable dud. Such is the case for the 2015 film Absolutely Anything, which serves as the final credited film of beloved comedian Robin Williams, as well as the final collaborative effort of the entire Monty Python gang.
Absolutely Anything Was Robin Williams’s Final Performance
For those interested in watching Absolutely Anything today, the film is currently streaming for free on Tubi. Unfortunately, you may find that you’d rather be watching ‘absolutely anything’ other than this movie, as the jokes tend to fall flat, and the production value mimics that of an ill-conceived after-school special.
Alien Council Gives Simon Pegg Ultimate Power
The narrative of Absolutely Anything centers on Simon Pegg’s Neil Clarke, an unremarkable school teacher who struggles with a general lack of direction and lack of authority over the most basic elements of his life.
After an alien galactic council suddenly stumble upon the Earth and its fleshy inhabitants, the extraterrestrials decide to put the planet to the test, by randomly bestowing Neil with limitless powers. As Neil goes about his usual day, he soon comes to learn that his every wish is granted with a flick of the wrist and a verbal demand.
Wishes Gone Wrong
Unfortunately, these powers operate more like a genie’s wish than god-like abilities, as each command seems to breed a host of unintended consequences. After his first show of power leads to the deaths of a whole classroom of innocent children, Neil attempts to undo the damage by bringing everyone back to life, only to resurrect zombies all over the globe. Things get worse in Absolutely Anything when Neil tries to eliminate humanity’s ills, like war and famine, resulting in global gluttony and senseless violence.
Robin Williams Voices A Dog
Robin Williams stars alongside Simon Pegg as the voice of Dennis the dog, who gains the ability to speak after one of Neil’s initial wishes. Unfortunately, the character of Dennis is not given nearly enough solid material or freedom to experiment as many of Williams’ other iconic vocal performances, and his model in the film looks about as convincing as a sock puppet with googly eyes.
Likewise, Absolutely Anything touts performances from each of the Monty Python players, in their final complete on-screen reunion before director Terry Jones’ death in 2020, though these performances are as flat as can be.
Written By Monty Python’s Terry Jones
Terry Jones wrote the script for Absolutely Anything alongside Gavin Scott, and even got some assistance from legendary sci-fi comedy writer Douglas Adams, best known for his creation of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy novels.
With all the combined comedic talent and sci-fi brilliance of the film’s writers, producers, and performers, you’d think Absolutely Anything would be a smash-hit, but the film just sort of fails to bring it all together in any meaningful way. As much as it pains me to say it, I feel that the best way to honor the legacies of everyone involved with this film is to simply pretend that it doesn’t exist.
See The Disaster For Yourself
REVIEW SCORE
If you’re interested in seeing this one for yourself, feel free to stream Absolutely Anything for free on Tubi. Despite its paltry 20 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, some fans do seem to enjoy the lighthearted humor in the film, so maybe you’ll be one of the lucky few. Still, I wouldn’t advise holding your breath for a solid joke, as the film essentially does ‘absolutely anything’ but deliver.
