This is the End (2013)

Six Los Angeles celebrities are stuck in James Franco's house after a series of devastating events just destroyed the city. Inside, the group not only have to face the apocalypse, but themselves.

Jess' Review

This Is The End, a fitting title for this pseudo-apocalyptic world that’s currently surrounding us. I’m trying hard to adapt to the closures of my favourite things - my pole studio, the farm and most devastatingly, costa coffee (gone but not forgotten). And I appreciate Sam gravitating his choices towards comedy in these trying times. This Is The End was a great choice.

It follows the story of Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco and a whole ensemble of their of comedy buddies (all of which playing themselves) as they witness the rapture, the end of the world.

Whilst he gets some stick from critics, for the most part I like Rogan. I think he’s a great comic presence on screen and here presents a wacky screenplay that’s unafraid to poke fun at the Hollywood elite. The main group of actors including Jonah Hill, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson are all on fire. (Sometimes quite literally!) And are a pleasure to watch. There’s some excellent jokes and dialogue, with even minor cameos inducing laughter. Special props to Michael Cera.

The plot is fun, imaginably zany and actually quite extreme in places. Though at its route, it’s about survival and is really quite simple. You just have to relax and go on this ride. It’s not something profound that will change your life, but I’ll be surprised if I can’t make you laugh. It does it’s job at the end of the day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A nice end-of-the-world pick me up after a long day.

7/10

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Sam's Review

Day 2 of the lockdown. This is the End... yeah, starting to feel that way.

The premise is fun, a group of successful actors in L.A. as the apocalypse begins. The idea of playing parodies of themselves is a good call, too, as it ups the stakes. For example, Jonah Hill playing an over-the-top nice version of himself was a nice touch. It added an extra dimension to the film, and stopped it from feeling like an extreme reality show. It did well to normalise the celebrities, while still keeping that weird admiration we have for those more well-known that ourselves. Clearly the actors had great time making the film, and their camaraderie spills off screen.

It surprises me that the film hasn't gained a cult following. Perhaps it's too mainstream. Yet, with it's sheer amount of spot-on cameos, paired with it's All-Star cast and it's quick humour, I'd have thought it'd be slightly more revered. The point of the film is to survive while having a good time, and sees the actors more than willing to poke fun at themselves or Hollywood. Much like 30 Minutes or Less the humour seems to veer towards immature, yet I still catch myself laughing.

Subtly the audience is reminded that most of us aren't actually good people, and that we can do better. It also reminds us that inauthenticity is not a solid replacement for actual kindness. However, I get the feeling that the film doesn't want you to think too much, and instead, sit back and just take it in.

7/10