Movie Review: This Is The End

What happens when you put together a comedy cast assemble of James Franco, Seth Rogen , Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride, who play fictional versions of themselves and are forced to survive an unexpected world apocalypse that sees death and destruction surrounding them?

Lots of laughs undoubtedly, and the kind of survivor chemistry that wouldn’t see these guys team up any day… Save for desperate times and apparently the world apocalypse set upon them. If you were looking for something brainless and with a seemingly all-star Hollywood cast on it, you should probably check out "This is The End", the brainchild of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and a movie that was originally released in June 12, but got enough fanfare to get rereleased anew this September!

So what's the buzz and stakes on this comedy flick? Read on the review to find out, and thanks goes to Columbia Pictures Philippines and Ayala Malls for the screening!

This Is The End

Directed By: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg 

Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen , Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride (with Michael Cera, Rihanna, and Emma Watson)

Release Date: June 12 (US original); September 4th (Rerelease US and worldwide)

Based on a number of ideas, including the 2007 short film entitled “Jay and Seth versus the Apocalypse”, This Is The End is your mish mash comedic satire flick that honestly gives you a reason to poke and have fun at disaster movies which star some of your favorite Hollywood icons. Portraying themselves in pampered and ridiculous fashion, Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel are your typical comedy buddy set, who spend a weekend together at Seth’s home in Los Angeles to escape their busy schedules, play video games, and smoke some of that stuff to escape reality. When the duo decide to join the party at James Franco’s house, all hell literally breaks loose, and many other celebrities invited to Franco’s place fall prey to the chaos and destruction. Finding themselves in the midst of a doomsday scenario, Rogen, Franco, and Jay are joined by Craig Robinson, Jonah Hill, and Danny McBride, and have to find a way to work together and figure out how to survive with their wits, friendship, and whatever stash of food they have left in the kitchen.

Warning: Red Band Trailer full of *NSFW stuff*. Viewer discretion advised.

This is the End Official Red Band Trailer #1
Directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, This Is The End is fun and insanity multipled by a dozen unexpected variables that prove ridiculous and too much to contain your laughter for. It’s the perfect no-brainer film to see with some of your favorite Hollywood stars, including guest appearances by Michael Cera, Rihanna, and yes even the lovely Harry Potter film franchise starlet herself, Emma Watson. This pool of unrelenting comedy is only tempered by the demonic apocalypse and biblical references to the end of the world as the movie’s name suggests, so there’s still some drama, scary elements, and mature themes to see that shouldn’t be viewed by children or younger audiences.

If you enjoy the kind of antics Seth Rogen, James Franco, and the rest of the primary cast of “This Is The End” have in past movies, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t see this film. Even by playing fictional versions of themselves, it’s hard to believe these guys are friends and pals, and it’s hell of a lot of fun seeing them poke at their own careers, mannerisms, and get into petty arguments over little things while the world is ending. The special effects are surprisingly pretty on this film that doesn’t take itself seriously, and there’s plenty of surprises in store for anyone walking in for a bundle of laughs. Trust me, this delivers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this formula repeats itself in the future. From the same men who gave you “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express”, this is dark comedy at its finest.

Rating - 4/5