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.

Game on, Mayans

For the past few days, Twitter and Facebook have been buzzing with jokes about the apocalypse and people saying they aren't going to pay their bills, show up to work, etc. I'm not going to lie. A small part of me is totally freaked out by all this end of the world talk. It doesn't help that the History Channel is constantly pumping out shows explaining why the Mayans are right. And you can bet that somewhere the geeks who work for that channel are having a major end of the world bash (my invite must have been lost in the mail).

R.E.M. says it best - click here to listen

So what am I doing today, knowing the end may almost be near? Cleaning my house. Not because I'm worried about dying in the middle of a dirty mess (people who know me will die laughing at that thought), but because we are starting our Christmas celebrations tonight with our oldest children and their families. I laughed when our plans first came to be, realizing that we were all gathering the night the world is supposed to end. But the liquor cabinet is full, a ton of snacks are planned and my husband even bought some extra ammo "just in case." If this is truly our last night together on this earth, we're set. I'll go out with those I love and have a full belly.

All kidding aside, the possibility of impending doom has made me reflect on my life. I've decided that R.E.M. accurately sums it up for me. If it really is the end of the world, I feel fine. I'm healthy, happy, surrounded by love and have a slew of friends and family who I adore. I've made mistakes, taken chances and pursued things that make my life fulfilled. I've lived life to the fullest, loving, laughing and experienced just about everything that makes our time on this earth worthwhile. So if this truly is the end, I'm okay with it. There probably isn't anything we could do about it anyway, so why not go out with a smile?

Maybe tomorrow when we wake, we'll be able to laugh at the Mayans and feel a renewed sense of purpose (so long as we're not surrounded by zombies). I think we have about a 99.99% chance of seeing another normal day. If I'm wrong, then cheers to all of humanity. It's been a great ride.