This is the End Review
RYAN: This is the new apocalyptic comedy co-directed by and starring Seth Rogen. And it was primarily an excuse for him to get his friends together to hang out and have a good time on a film set for a few months. It’s absurd but a surprisingly original and fun movie.
CHUCK: Absolutely. It felt like a guy’s camping weekend where they decided to film it and involve the apocalypse. There were many hilarious moments in it.
RYAN: I seriously LOL’d many times and also appropriately reacted to the jumps and surprises. I even clapped my hands once; it’s so cleverly edited.
CHUCK: Jay Baruchel is sort of the centerpiece of the film and I associate him so much with How to Train Your Dragon that it took me a moment to adjust to him in this.
RYAN: I love this cast – James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Emma Watson… they all play themselves, or a heightened version of themselves; and they all make fun of what their personas are.
CHUCK: Rihanna was hilarious in her very small role. And then Mindy Kaling, who I love, was cute too. I’m sure they’re all real life friends and I’m sure it was Seth Rogen calling them up, like…
RYAN: “Come spend a day on the film set, it’s gonna be awesome.”
CHUCK: Right. You could tell they were having a ton of fun.
RYAN: Michael Cera had an excellent part.
CHUCK: [laughs’ He was a hilarious.
RYAN: One of the funniest aspects of the film! And the only one who was really wasted was Jason Segel. He did not have a funny moment or even a good death scene.
CHUCK: Yeah he was unremarkable in this.
RYAN: James Franco was so great and really funny and self-deprecating.
CHUCK: Craig was fantastic. They were all really good.
RYAN: The setting really allowed each of them to play off one another and go for the jokes and Jonah Hill was brilliant. He was probably acting the least like himself and I don’t generally like him but he made fun of himself and the fact he was nominated for an Oscar which was ludicrous.
CHUCK: Jonah was hilarious. And if anyone is into his and Seth’s humor, they will absolutely love this movie.
RYAN: This was so original that it makes me want to see more movies where actors spoof themselves. If you are into pop culture and Hollywood and celebrity, this is going to be right up your alley. The language is very much for an adult audience.
CHUCK: It’s R-rated. Lots of male-part jokes and bloody.
RYAN: Gory in an over-the-top, non-scary way. There’s some controversy surrounding the film because of the religious and spiritual overtones… some are offended. But I thought it was a riot!
CHUCK: I didn’t find it offensive at all. And if you’re gonna be offended by this stuff then this isn’t the movie you should be buying a ticket to and attending in the first place.
RYAN: The effects are all really good. From the light beams to the creatures – all very cool. And I had a moment where I thought, “Wow The Wizard of Oz is in a scene with Hermione Granger. Cool.”
CHUCK: [laughs’ That is true.
RYAN: Here’s the thing: It’s not going to win any awards, maybe an MTV award; but it has moments of actual brilliance. And beyond the funny story and the laughs, there’s actually heart there with a message about friendship and being a good person. It’s a refreshingly funny, entertaining comedy.
