Movie Review: This Is the End

While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse. (Rated R)

Once again, I'm a little late to the party since this movie will be out on DVD this coming Tuesday, but I've been really looking forward to it with the promise of apocalyptic humor (two of my favorite elements in a movie). I'm just going to say up front that I really don't get into the drug themed movies most of these guys have starred in like "Your Highness", "Pineapple Express", and "Knocked Up". Although I guessed drugs would be a theme in this movie as well, I consider most of these comedians to be pretty funny, and figured they could pull off a hilarious story together.

As a huge fangirl, it was kind of fun to at least pretend we were glimpsing into the personal lives of celebrities. While there were some stellar cameos (Emma Watson, Rihanna, Michael Cera), there were some that fell short (Paul Rudd, Back Street Boys), and one that really didn't do any favors for the actor (Channing Tatum...he must really be proud). When the guys weren't prattling on about drugs or sexually crude acts, there were some pretty funny moments. I got a kick out of the actors trying to redeem themselves as being worthy of saving (James Franco: "We're actors! We bring joy to people's lives!"), Michael Cera playing an out-of-control character, the scene where the men are trying to decide how to lay in close proximity to each other, and the misunderstanding that happened with Emma Watson. I especially loved the development of Jonah Hill's character toward the end.

Overall it was a pretty decent movie. The premise of the apocalypse was fun, having a feel like a 1990s Adam Sandler film. The special effects were campy, like when the partygoers fell into a flaming hole, and the "big bad" at the very end, but it can be expected from a lower budgeted movie. If you can get past all the drug usage, and take this movie for what it is—a goofy comedy—you might actually enjoy the folly Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill, and Jay Baruchel most definitely deliver.