‘This is the End’ Movie Review – The Right Demographic

Many have tried – to the point of it almost (almost!) becoming a cliché itself – to make fun of Hollywood. In Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen’s This is the End, they take the mentality that they should make fun of themselves before others try the same. The result is a self-referential and mostly absurd film (both in not-so-annoying ways) about overly exaggerated actors trying to survive an apocalypse. Although it has its hits and misses, the majority is legitimately funny. If judging on comedy alone, the movie is appealing.

Starring fictitious versions of themselves, This is the End features James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Jay Baruchel, and first-time director Rogen. While attending a housewarming party at Franco’s new home, a large earthquake devastates the area, leaving Hollywood in utter chaos. When it turns out to be more than an earthquake, the group of six holes up in Franco’s place until help arrives.

Although most of the story involves the shenanigans the guys get themselves in to, there is an underlying story. It mostly pertains to the strained friendship between Baruchel and Rogen. Since the story starts with Baruchel visiting L.A., it’s immediately apparent their relationship will be tested. If it can’t survive a few hundred miles, can it survive the apocalypse?

At times, this relationship takes a backseat. With the comedic starpower at hand, they try to utilize it as much as possible. This leads to plenty of really funny gags (such as Pineapple Express 2) – some appropriate, some not even close – and other not-so-funny moments. It’s hard/unrealistic to land every single joke, so holding the misses against them isn’t really worth it.

While putting the comedy on display may seem like a great idea, it does leave the movie open to getting tired very quick. If narrowed down to 90 minutes, This is the End would be a more succinct film. At closer to two hours, it does unfortunately begin to wear thin.

However, for the most part, the guys keep it together. When there’s a lull, somebody saves it. The beauty lies in each of their comedic timing because while there are standouts (McBride), there isn’t anyone on the opposite end of the spectrum. Every single guy gets their shots in, and it’s really tough to single one out as the “worst.”

And the cameos! There are some great appearances – most of which I won’t spoil for you – by Emma Watson, Michael Cera (my personal favorite), and more. If you can shield yourself from all the names, try to so you can be surprised by the familiar faces.

With movies like this, there should always be a disclaimer. The comedy isn’t for everyone, which should be pretty obvious. Sense of humor changes from person to person and this kind of movie is for a certain demographic. I fit this demographic and can take puke, piss, and semen jokes.

Nobody is going to judge you for not liking this humor.

This is the End, a film by director-newcomers Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, definitely leans on the stars to bring the laughs. The situations are really, really over-the-top, but it’s all done to make the audience laugh. The humor I’ve described may seem brainless, but it’s still funny nonetheless. Well, funny if you like that kind of stuff, but what have we come to expect from the stars of this film? It shouldn’t be that big of a surprise.

This is the End is open now (starting today) across the nation in wide release. Check it out and give us your take in the comments.

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