Guest Review: This is the End (2013)

This is the End is an apocalyptic comedy, which features a wide range of actors playing parodied versions of themselves. The film is directed by both Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who have frequently collaborated in the past, producing comedies such as Superbad (2007) and Pineapple Express (2008). Rogen and Goldberg’s films are consistently hilarious, never shying away from audacious and outrageous humour. In This is the End, they divert in a slightly different different. The film is comically self-aware and has a loosely-constructed story, which involves Jay Baruchel, as he meets his friend, Seth Rogen in LA. They both attend a house party, hosted by fellow actor, James Franco, and what proceeds is a hilariously absurd end of the world scenario. The world literally starts to fall apart and the film follows Rogen, Baruchel, Franco, Jonah Hill, as well as Craig Robinson and Danny McBride, as they fight for survival.

One thing is clear in This is the End, is that all the actors involved must have had one hell of a great time. Franco’s party sees the appearance of a whole bunch of famous names and comedy actors, such as Michael Cera and Kevin Hart. It is as though the film’s producers tasked themselves with including as many Hollywood stars as possible.Seeing all these A-listers on screen all at once is great fun, and they all portray themselves idiotic ways. This is most especially the case with Michael Cera, who depicts himself as an unpleasant, drug-abusing party animal. The whole film is so self-aware that it becomes somewhat of a joke within itself. This is the End does not try too hard to be comically unique. However, the film’s direction is pretty chaotic, and it relishes the opportunity to present various celebrities meeting untimely fates, amidst the apocalyptic madness that interrupts Franco’s party.

A large portion of the film takes place in James Franco’s mansion. I can honestly say I have never laughed so much at some of the ridiculous scenes. The jokes are relentlessly silly and irrational. A lot of the humour stems from the various conflicts that arise, mainly due to the abrasive Danny McBride, who seems to cause trouble for no particular reason whatsoever. The leading cast are incredibly likable and enjoyable to watch, and the idea of the apocalypse becomes less of importance, and the film is really about the crazy upheavals of James Franco, Seth Rogen, and the rest of the group, and how they deal with the situation.

Some of the jokes might be excessive, and although at times it seems as though the film is unravelling at random, This is the End is really funny. Self-consciously ridiculous and very entertaining, This is the End marks another hilarious outing in Rogen and Goldberg’s collaborative filmography.

Score: 7/10

By Liam Springate-Jones.

If you would like to read more of my reviews, you can do so at: The Motion Picture Blog.