Absolutely Anything (2014) REVIEW

Absolutely Anything is a British comedy/sci fi about middle aged teacher Neil (played by Simon Pegg), who one day discovers that he has the power to do literally anything that he wants - be it give himself a six pack, or stop all of the war conflicts. 

How does he get these powers you ask? Well, some aliens who travel around the planets deciding on whether to destroy them use him as an experiment to see if he will use these powers for good.... Before he knows it, Neil is causing havoc at school, messing with his friend Ray's love life and also trying to woo the lady who lives downstairs (Kate Beckinsale). Within all of this too, his dog begins to talk, voiced by the late great Robin Williams.
The plot for this film feels very disjointed, slightly like a sketch show. The leads are really trying but the whole thing just won't gel together. Pegg has been making some odd indie films recently between his blockbusters. I really enjoyed Man Up (2015) but I could not stand Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014). Again here, Pegg's usual wit and likeability are diluted and it feels like a chore to route for his character. Neil is not given many other personality traits other than he wants to win the girl, which is a shame. (Also I just miss Pegg standing next to Nick Frost).
The aliens feel like an unnecessary add on - they were tedious and unfunny, I could feel my eyes rolling. I think the film could of worked better if the source of his powers was more mysterious.
The rest of the cast are trying too but the script doesn't allow any real warmth or true emotion. Beckinsale's character of Catherine is paper thin and it appears to be another film where the women are undermined and in the background.
However - Robin Williams' voice work as the Dennis the dog saved the day and was honestly my highlight, his voice has such warmth and mischief to it, I found myself laughing out loud at some of his scenes.
Overall the film clearly had ambition but it just felt applied in the totally wrong areas. Sorry Mr. Pegg but this was a let down! 4/10