This is the End

If a film like This is the End came out ten years ago, it would be a joke. An apocalyptic comedy with rising stars starring as themselves. Raunchy sex jokes and self-deprecation rampant, with gratuitous blood and death, and making a mockery out of religion and the book of Revelation. Sounds a bit like a Kevin Smith film. It isn't though, and times are different. Even comedy is pushing the envelope in an attempt to draw crowds and capitalize on the industry's booming success. This is the End straddles the line of inappropriate, but comes out just clean enough that it is hilarious.

Written, directed by, and starring Seth Rogen, he assembles a twenty-something comedy dream team of Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, and a handful of A-list cameos. The film starts with Seth Rogen picking up his Canadian buddy, Jay Baruchel from the airport for a weekend of drugs and male bonding. They end up at a party at James Franco's house, and that's when the apocalypse starts, right in the middle of the Hollywood Hills. Simple enough, but what makes it click is the sheer star power. Not just A-listers though, hot comedic A-listers, and lots of them. Michael Cera, Aziz Ansari, Paul Rudd, Mindy Kaling, etc. We even get to see Rhianna and Emma Watson playing who knows how realistic versions of themselves. The fun of the film is talking afterwards about whether any of these actors stretched out of their natural personalities, or if they are just being themselves. Each of them has a distinct role to play, and the apocalyptic catastrophe isn't center stage at all.

Seth Rogen is in his typical loveable stoner groove. He is the glue in the movie; the centerpiece, dishing out assists to each of the other cast members. Jay Baruchel is our star, conflicted about the Hollywood lifestyle and showing both common sense that is missing from the others, and some social anxiety. You root for him because he's a good guy, but also because he's surrounded by these A-listers, and he somehow seems out of place. The film is clearly geared toward him. His friends have had the spotlight, and now it's Jay's turn to get his face and name out there into the media.

James Franco proves once again that he is best when doing comedy. His role in Pineapple Express was possibly his high point (127 hours was amazing, but it was the film and the role, not the actor that made it) and he is truly a funny guy. He puts off an aura that you just want to hang out with, and embellishes his chance to be a bit of a weirdo. Craig Robinson steps out of the Office and into film (I met him in Hollywood once), and gets some great lines and causes a smile every time he's on the screen with his "Take Yo Panties Off" t-shirt and "Mr. Robinson" towel.

Jonah Hill is the nice one of the bunch, and almost annoyingly so. Jay doesn't like him, but his generosity and kindness stifle any attempt to dislike him at all. He seems like he might be a nice guy in real life, and they exaggerate that personality trait about as much as possible. He meets an unfortunate end that is a bit of a head scratcher. The possession bit wasn't that funny, and seemed a bit out of place. Besides, being raped by a demon can't be pleasant. I suppose with all the other phallic jokes, there had to be some actual sodomy, right?

My personal favorite of the cast, Danny McBride is full on Kenny Powers. Completely unfiltered mouth, he throws out lines like they are candy at a parade. His wit is so natural and offensive that he earns a place in the pantheon of comedy as far as I'm concerned. He's despicable and self-centered, but still grounded in realism. He's the loner of the group that is pretty much hated by all of them. Just all around funny. The star of the show however, is Michael Cera. Embodying the stereotypical young Hollywood douche bag, he snorts coke, has a threesome (probably the 2nd best scene in the film), and is generally a complete prick to everyone he meets. The rest of the guys have a running joke about his role in the circle, and he meets his end in a particularly deserving if not unfortunate way.

Rogen saves the best for last however, with a pre-credits song and dance number that is pure magic. Riotously hilarious nostalgic late 1990's magic. By the way, the Channing Tatum cameo is a bit wasted and just weird, but he's funny nonetheless. This is the End won't win any Oscars, but it may be the funniest film of the year so far (better than Hangover). It will certainly be supplanted by We're the Millers in August, but if you're looking for a fun time, some good laughs, and you aren't easily offended, you will definitely enjoy it. I wouldn't recommend this for the older or conservative crowd however, but that's not the target audience anyway. You know you're curious. 8/10.