In a smart move by Seth Rogan for his fans, but it’s title is apropos. Things start getting loony bins right away in his new film This Is The End, an apocalyptic film that features his old pals and then some. The movie’s story isn’t more than a goof about the end of the world, but it has its moments when it comes to the comedy the stars bring to the screen. If you’ve ever wanted to see this bunch go wacky together, then grab your bible and get the Hades on down to see This Is The End.
The whole premise here centers on an invitation by James Franco to all his actor buddies and a lot of non-celebs to a housewarming party at his home. Seth Rogan has just picked up Jay Baruchel from the airport, they have settled in for some drugs and a wacky get together when Rogan says we’re headed to Franco’s House for a party. They arrive at the party and Jay just doesn’t feel right about attending as he has bad feelings for Jonah Hill.
After some major coaxing the two go inside and we get to see many of the rising stars that have come to the party including Rihanna, Emma Watson and Michael Cera mingling with Mindy Kaling and Craig Robinson. The whole gang is there boozing, drugging and having some sexual asides. With wall to wall people, the party takes aim at being the best ever shindig to hit Hollywood. Just when things start to get completely over-the-top, explosive rumblings and a giant sinkhole opens just outside Franco’s house. When people start falling in and strange beings start to emerge from the hole, those left take shelter in Franco’s house.
This is the End is directed and written by Rogan and Evan Goldberg who were responsible for Pineapple Express, Superbad, The Green Hornet, Knocked Up, 40 Year Old Virgin, The Watch, etc. So if you like those films, you will enjoy seeing most of the stars that worked with the two including, Paul Rudd, Danny McBride,Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kevin Hart, Martin Star and then some like Emma Watson, Channing Tatum, Rihanna and The Backstreet Boys.
The special effects are extremely good, especially the super sinkhole, the monsters and the burning of Hollywood. All in fun, the loosely scripted film that allows a lot of improvisation and ad-libbing actually makes the film work. Most of the goofs really help the This is the End and with Danny McBride going over-the-top with his wacky humor the movie gets almost fanatical.
This Is The End has been rated R by the MPAA for crude and sexual content throughout, brief graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use and some violence. Believe me when I say that all of that is in the film and more, including blasphemy, irreverence, enough gay references to fill two films and more, but it’s all in fun when it’s up on the big screen, right?
FINAL ANALYSIS: Only if you really want to see this guys together on one screen. (D)
Additional Film Information:
- Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, David Krumholtz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rihanna, Martin Starr, Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari
- Directed by: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- MPAA Rating: R for crude and sexual content throughout, brief graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use and some violence
- Running Time: 1 hr 57 min
- Opening Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2013
- Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
