Absolutely Anything

In the 2015 comedy science fiction film Absolutely Anything, an assortment of eccentric aliens observes human existence with great curiosity. Their observations stem from a grand experiment, where they award a human, Bruce Dickinson-esque Neil Campbell, with an extraordinary gift. Campbell is given the power to do absolutely anything he wants, with the sole purpose of determining if Earth is worth saving or, conversely, worth destroying. Neil's journey is an exploration of human nature, where he grapples with the enormous responsibility bestowed upon him. As Neil, played by Simon Pegg, is confronted with a seemingly endless array of possibilities, he embarks on an adventure across the globe. Alongside his close friends and companions, Neil sets out to discover the true meaning of existence. His decisions are met with a mix of hilarity and chaos as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Neil's friends, including Jenkins and Dennis, are initially ecstatic with the prospect of gaining infinite power, but they soon realize the weight of their new status. Neil, too, is overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of his new abilities. He struggles to make significant choices, often resorting to simple, mundane tasks, like ordering a pizza or flying through London. However, as the film progresses, he begins to grasp the full extent of his powers and, subsequently, the importance of his decisions. Throughout the journey, Neil is observed and guided by the eccentric aliens – including a wise, older, and slightly eccentric Zaphod Beeblebrox-esque alien named Green, and the eccentric scientist-like Neil Pye the alien in the movie that is a clear pastiche of Douglas Adams – who serve as a detached yet concerned audience to the experiment. They observe Neil's every move, often providing commentary and offering occasional suggestions to guide him in his choices. Neil's path intersects with a variety of characters, from a young girl named Neil, who possesses extraordinary abilities of her own, to a woman named Kate, who sparks a romantic connection with Neil. As he makes pivotal decisions throughout the film, Neil grapples with complex moral dilemmas that question the true value of human existence. The aliens' ultimate goal, as presented throughout the film, is to assess whether humanity is worthy of preservation. They have been conducting their experiment for countless years, and now, with Neil as the chosen participant, they seek a conclusive answer. The extraterrestrial observers seem more interested in observing human nature's darker aspects, rather than the more positive traits, which Neil occasionally showcases. Ultimately, Neil's choices lead to various conclusions, each serving as a microcosm of human existence's complex and multifaceted nature. His journey ultimately raises profound questions about what truly defines humanity and which aspects of existence are worthy of preservation. The film's narrative blends wry humor, intelligent satire, and a touch of sci-fi flair, weaving a visually stimulating and often humorous exploration of human nature. Absolutely Anything presents a poignant commentary on the complexities and absurdities of human life, raising significant questions about our place in the universe and our potential to evolve as a species. The eclectic array of characters and settings offers a vibrant palette of possibilities, adding depth and interest to the film's overarching narrative.