This is the End is a thinly written but hilarious comedy that examines how a group of celebrities would behave during the apocalypse.

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2013)

The film mostly takes place at James Franco's mansion. Jay Baruchel is visiting his long-time friend, Seth Rogen in LA. Although the two have a very close bond, Jay seems to dislike Seth's new "Hollywood" lifestyle, and is very resistant towards attending a house-warming party at James Franco's house. At the party, numerous actors (Emma Watson, Rihanna and Jason Segal to name a few) engage in an evening of debaucheries, filled with drugs, alcohol and sex. During the party, sudden mass beams of light begin pulling people into the sky, while the rest of the world goes into chaos. The majority of the party guests die in a sink-hole outside of Franco's house, while the remaining survivors (Baruchel, Rogen, Hill, Robinson and Franco) and an unwanted guest must now survive the apocalypse.
The movie is consistently funny, with a variety of gut-busting scenes and quotes that will be referenced for years to come. The actors' commitment to their roles is what makes this movie really work. The actors are fully engaged in the absurdity of the film. Even though most of them have had very successful careers, they were not afraid to participate in outrageous dialogue and scenes; such as, a two-minute argument on ejaculation and porn magazines; a "coked-up" Michael Cera; and a scene where one of the actors is raped by a demon. The self- deprecating humor was the best part of the movie, as the actors were not afraid to mock themselves and many of the stereotypes associated with young Hollywood actors.
Great comedies are often remembered for their hilarious plots; while the jokes, one-liners and gags are simply used to enhance the movie-going experience. This is the End had many hilarious jokes, but a very formulaic and uneventful plot. The premise of a group of actors, playing fictional versions of themselves, surviving the apocalypse in James Franco's mansion is brilliant and original. On the other hand, after the hilarity of the premise wears off, the film delves into ridiculous scenarios for the actors to do silly things; while ignoring character development and an interesting progression in the story. The film eventually becomes a series of repetitive gags; even though most of them work, they eventually become repetitive and sometimes boring.
This is the End is the funniest movie I have seen since the first Hangover. I highly recommend this movie for fans of Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow films, and comedy in general. I had a wonderful time watching this movie, even though the thin plot caused some the fun to wear off.
Don't forget to check out my blog: 'Til Film Do Us Part
http://tilfilmdouspart.blogspot.ca/