This Is the End (2013) - Review

Let's hope the end doesn't involve Danny Mcbride

Do you like Seth Rogan and his little crew?  If so, then you're going to love this movie.  If you hate them, then you're going to hate this movie.  It's that simple.  There's pretty much no in-between here.  Love it or hate it.  Personally, I loved it.  I really enjoy Seth Rogan and I'm fairly sure there's no one on this entire planet that can deny the eerie charm of James Franco.  No one.  EVER.

There are a couple of downers though in this movie.  Suspect number one being Danny Movie-killer McBride.  Come on, guys.  This guy just isn't funny.  His 'stupid stoner redneck' garbage isn't endearing or entertaining in any way.  Sure, most of these guys choose to represent themselves the same way in most of their movies (besides Jonah Hill, who has somehow become the respectable one of the bunch), but really, McBride?  That's the character you go with?  Let's hope he's not like that in real life, lest he be the most insufferable person of all time.

Now that's flattering

The rest of the cast is good.  I don't really like Craig Robinson, but he isn't too obnoxious here.  To be honest, even Jay Baruchel is typically kind of forgettable, but he really shines as the outcast protagonist in this movie.  He does a great job of being just a tad on the uppity side while also getting you to root for him.  The interaction between the group is great; it's really what makes the movie (especially the party scene at the beginning which is 99% cameo).  As it goes on, it gradually gets more and more interesting with some surprisingly inspired monster designs and pretty good CGI to boot.

If there are any problems, they lies with McBride and the fact that the script is a little TOO horrific for the comedic aspect to shine through at times.  If you've seen the movie, you know the scene I'm talking about at the end that's WAY too horrifying to find funny, plus it completely screws over one of the more likable characters in the movie.  Other than these little quibbles, it's a fine, fine film with good performances and a ton of celebrity cameos and in-jokes that you'll love if you're into this little clique of actors.  And the Backstreet Boys.  There's a lot of Backstreet going on here.