Review of John Dies at the End (2013) by Adam K — 20 Jan 2013
"John Dies at the End" is an amateurish cluster of semi-interesting ideas and inspirations that almost pulls itself off through sheer bluster. The premise is a convincing hybrid of Men in Black, William S.
Burroughs, and H.P. Lovecraft, and the plot is designed in a subtle and entertainingly brain-teasing knot. The humor is immature and uninspired, but it has its own charm - the opening sequence even hints at the kind of fast, cutting wit of a movie like Hot Fuzz.
There's nothing new here at all, and while that can be fine if done well, the execution here is never more than lackluster. John and Dave theoretically have a charming bro-lationship, but this falls completely flat.
The metaphysics and history of the plot are mysteriously menacing and compelling until the curtain is suddenly dropped, revealing a boring, bland set of ineptly executed tropes. Amy is the only female character in the whole film.
She is important not as a person but as a dog owner, Dave's girlfriend and, strangely enough, as an amputee (which of course is played as a gaffe, not a sensitive treatment of a real issue). Ultimately, I get the feeling that Wong accomplished what he set out to do.
The movie feels polished and tight, but it's like a well-carved piece of concrete. It's fun enough, but it doesn't feel like art. Perhaps he could accomplish something more compelling if he took himself more seriously and harnessed greater ambition?
This review of John Dies at the End (2013) was written by Adam K on 20 Jan 2013.
John Dies at the End has generally received mixed reviews.
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