This is the End

This is the End

Not to be confused with This is 40. 

Writers/Directors Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen created a fun send up to Hollywood and apocalyptic movies. The movie has tons of jokes at the expenses of the actors they're talking about. Everyone gets a jab in the film.  It has some of the same sensibilities as Goldberg and Rogen's other films, so you know what you're in for.  

Basically, the Rapture happens while Rogen and Jay are at a party at Franco's home.  No one at the party notices it because all actors are "bad" people, so they don't ascend to Heaven.  The Rogen crew have to deal with the fallout of the Rapture while trying to not turn on each other.  

Almost everyone plays themselves. Think of these people as hyper versions of themselves. Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel are the stars, but everyone else also have some meaty parts too.

I also like to note that the special effects are also impressive. For a comedy on a smaller budget the monsters look extraordinary. With the background setting, you really get the feel that Hollywood is totally on fire.

James Franco : Franco parodies everything people say about him in the tabloids. Franco probably receives the most jabs in the story. I especially liked the Spider-Man 3 jokes. It is worth noting that Rogen and Franco have known each other for a long time.

Jonah Hill : He's sort of a secondary villain to the main characters. Hill has some funny moments, especially one subplot involving a demon. That's all I'll say.

Seth Rogen : He receives most of the screen time. He's more or less playing himself in real life. And, they talk about the annoying laugh.

Jay Baruchel : Jay is the main star and he's the one that takes notice of the Rapture first. He's the hero more or less.

Danny McBride : He's the true villain in the piece. He acts like his character from East Bound. He ruins every plan the characters try to form with his selfishness. There are moments when he just goes off on a rant. It is clear they weren't scripted, and these are some of the funniest moments. He's my favorite character.

Craig Robinson : He's the character I thought would die first.

This is the End is very funny and a great send up to all those End of the World movies that keep popping up. There isn't much to gripe about. If you liked 21 Jump Street or the other Rogen movies, you will like this one.

Grade: B+