Review: This Is The End

Review: This Is The End

Directors: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill

Family Guy once carried out a gag about Seth Rogen during his rise to fame, in which the writers suggest the major reason he appeals to audience is the fact that he is "charming and chubby."

While the latter descriptive might be a little outdated, the former still sticks with Rogen and his frat pack buddies providing what can only be described as the craziest yet most entertaining comedy of the year so far.  Really, This Is The End (in which the actors all play themselves) is more of a riff on the well-established comedy stylings of Rogen, James Franco, Craig Robinson and the like but unlike some other comedy ensembles (I'm looking at you, Grown Ups), this particular script manages to cleverly take advantage of the swelling careers of its stars.

Of course, it's much better viewing this one in a cinema full of people ready and willing to have a good time. Those who are already fed up of Rogen and his chums won't be converted here but when the formula works, why change it now?

Saying that, there are some surprisingly touching moments in the film's narrative (hilariously accompanied with a soundtrack that could make any 90's kid punch the air), and by the time the credits roll you'll be surprised at how much these actors have become like good friends who have occasionally dropped in and out of your life. 

Jay Baruchel leads the proceedings as he and Seth Rogen reunite for a party at James Franco's new house in the Hollywood hills, accompanied by a host of guest stars including the likes of Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rihanna, Jason Segel, Aziz Ansari and Kevin Hart. Enjoying the booze, the laughs and in Michael Cera's case the cocaine, the guests are suddenly interrupted by none other than the apocalypse.

Jay, Seth, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and Jonah Hill are all that remain following the deaths of hundreds of A-Listers (with brief but entertaining cameos from Emma Watson and Channing Tatum) and, as they barricade themselves inside Franco's house, tensions quickly rise between the six actors.

All the apocalyptic bases are more or less covered: there are aliens, cryptic messages from God and even a hilariously over the top exorcism scene ("Oh, the power of christ is compelling me, really? I don't feel so compelled"). Comedy and characterization is key in a film like this though, and luckily each star has their own definitive feel making the emotional moments, of which there are plenty, hit pretty hard even with their comedic beats. Baruchel and Rogen get the brunt of these, with the film's climax accompanied by none other than Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.

The references to past films are a hoot as well, with the likes of Franco's 127 Hours, Hill's Moneyball and Rogen's The Green Hornet getting a good grilling ("Wow, Seth, that was really good acting. Where was that in The Green Hornet, huh?"). It's all a riotous send up of the stars which make the movie a success, and where other actors might have let their pride get the better of them it's clear to see that this cast is having a great time making this feature - and by extension, we have a great time watching it.

If you possess an open mind and the ability to let go and laugh, then then there's certainly very little to complain about with This Is The End. There are a few dodgy CGI shots, while certain jokes and plot points become a little repetitive come the end of the admittedly extensive running time, but the final scenes alone ensure that this is the end for your lungs. Even the most adamant Rogen-hater couldn't hold back the laughs.

Summary

Self-deprecating humour mixed with a decent narrative and hilariously over the top peformances make This Is The End one of the best and most original comedies of 2013. Now then, Pineapple Express 2 anyone?

9/10 - Brilliant

See it if you liked: Superbad (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), Zombieland (2009)