well i’ll be damned . . .
the canadians can make a good movie .
the world is coming to an end .
we don’t know why or how , but apparently there is no way to stop it .
the world has had this information for months , as most of the rioting and other assorted chaos has passed and governments have shut down operations .
yet for a handful of toronto citizens , life goes on .
they aren’t going crazy or attacking people in the streets .
instead they are simply preparing themselves for the end . . .
some engaging in activities they’ve always wanted to do , some gathering with family and friends , and others just seeking to be alone .
these people’s lives however all intersect during their final six hours .
writer-director-star don mckellar has crafted a highly unique and emotional film .
all of the main characters are compelling as they try and do whatever it is they need to do on their last night on earth .
craig ( callum keith rennie ) tries to fulfill all his sexual fantasies , a gas company employee ( david cronenberg ) calls every customer letting them know the gas will be flowing until the very end and thanks them for their business , and patrick ( mckellar ) just wants to be by himself but isn’t having much success .
even minor characters keep popping up where you least expect them to , tying everyone even closer .
things seemed a little hokey towards the beginning of the film , but ultimately everything comes together nicely ( although it’s not a happy film . . .
some moments are understandably gut-wrenching ) .
the story is enhanced by some unexpected humor and very realistic performances , particularly from sandra oh , whose character is just trying to get home to her husband before the end .
i have absolutely no problem that the reason for the end of the world is never given , nor does it bother me that the world is ending at exactly 12 midnight ( in toronto anyway ) .
but i do wonder why the sun never sets .
come midnight , the sun is still shining brightly .
maybe the sun is crashing into the earth . . .
who knows .
also , it’s comforting to know that in mankind’s final moments on the planet , people will still gang up on the street for the sheer purpose of pushing over a car or a bus ( that’s not a shot at this film mind you . . .
i know people are just stupid and truly would be out in the street tipping over cars ) .
last night is available on dvd from universal home video .
it contains the film in fullscreen format and includes the original theatrical trailer .
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