Absolutely Anything

Former Python Terry Jones directs this surreal comedy starring Simon Pegg as a man given the power to do absolutely anything by a group of observing aliens (the Monty Python gang), who use his actions to judge the fate of the planet. An evocative idea soon withers as all involved wander into a slightly bizarre romance. Plot points are abandoned regularly as the story takes turns that are nonsensical, and throughout there's a sense that Jones and co-writer Gavin Scott didn't know where to go once the main premise is established. Pegg does his best to make sense of the madness, and while he's mainly donning wacky outfits and talking to a dog, he remains likeable - especially when next to a one-dimensional Kate Beckinsale, playing his neighbour and dream girl. Animated segments should offer some nostalgic interest to Python fans, but it's scant reward for a wish-fulfilment comedy that doesn't fulfil anyone's wishes.