Movies with monsters, earthquakes and and apocalyptic themes usually fare well during the summertime. Throw in six of the best comedians in the business, a superstar from “Harry Potter” and a slew of A-List cameos, and you’ve got a hit on your hands. It’s no surprise, then, that “This is the End” has drawn rave reviews from critics. This star-studded comedy received an 84 percent “Fresh” rating on Rottentomatoes.com and earned a strong $7.8 million opening at the box office, according to Hollywoodreporter.com. 

While the actors play themselves, Writer/Directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg developed exaggerated versions of these celebrities. The result is a self-deprecating mix of friendly banter and gross-out humor.

The Party of the Summer

Ever wonder what it’s like to party with movie stars? “This is the End” offers a glimpse into A-list life when James Franco hosts a party at his chic Hollywood Hills home. Flip through channels on ClearTVBundle.com and you’ll come across shows with many of the party goers. Among the attendee: pop star Rihanna, funnyman Aziz Ansari, “The Office” star Mindy Kalingand and Michael Cera, all of whom die when a massive sink hole emerges in front of Franco’s home. Among all the talent in this opening sequence, Cera steals the show as an out-of-control partyboy mixed up in various combinations of debauchery.

After apocalyptic events break up the party, six remain: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel. As these six friends navigate horrific circumstances, the casts clear off-screen chemistry shines.

Pushed to Their Limits

“This is the End” would have made plenty of money based on the cast alone, but Rogen and co. pushed the limits on this gross-out comedy. In an interview with GQ magazine, the cast described pushing the envelope daily. Mcbride recalled a tip he got from a crew member when he arrived on set after a week of shooting. “You’d better come equipped. These dudes are really going after each other in the improv,” the assistant director said, according to Mcbride. None of the stars make it through the film unscathed. Whether it’s Robinson’s weight, Rogen’s acting ability or Franco’s sexual orientation, each character takes punches throughout the movie.

The directors also made sure none of the cast got too comfortable in their roles. “It was a game I had — I’m going to make all of these guys say, ‘Please don’t make me do that.'” Goldberg told Gq.com. It appears Goldberg did this on more than one occasion, and the results are hilarious.

Positive Reviews

Early reviews indicate “This is the End” lives up to its lofty expectations. RottenTomatoes.com summarized its collection of reviews, declaring that the exaggerated characters’ energy and enthusiasm make up for any plot holes. Richard Roeper accurately described the film’s juxtaposition, declaring it “one of the most tasteless, ridiculous and funniest comedies of the 21st century.” Fans of previous Rogen, Franco, Hill collaborations (Pineapple Express, Knocked Up) won’t be dissappointed, and new fans willing to indulge these stars in their fantasy will enjoy the ride.