Written, Story & Directed By: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg
Based On The Short Film “Jay & Seth V.s. The Apocalypse By: Jason Stone
Cinematography By: Brandon Trost
Editor: Zene Baker
Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Emma Watson, Michael Cera
Now I am a unabashed Seth Rogen fan. In fact I am a fan of the stars of this film. So I was already the built in audience for this film. As I am a fan I can also say that I see some of the flaws. Maybe it’s me being a Fan Of Fozzie The Bear of the Muppets from an early ageHe just reminds me of him
This is more a film for an audience not necessarily film history or art. So I will review the film with more of that in mind.
It’s nice to see Rogen & Company actually having their own voice heard a little more and not being quite the disciples of Judd Apatow. Who they respect and mentor them. Here though it is their distinct voice on display and have the courage and strength to go the direction they prefer which is a little weird but works.
There is nothing wrong with the direction of the film as it is Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s debut. I can see the allure for them making the film as it is made pretty much with their friends which would attract the actors to the film and be more willing to send themselves up as they know the star and trust him and he is in the same boat. So there is that immediate trust. Plus since most of the film is set in one location it’s a little easier to manage and handle. The only real challenge I imagine is are the special effects and making them look impressive. I just believe if they would have had a more experienced director they might have focused on story more. Then so much character and bits that goon to further define the dynamic of the relationships.
I applaud that the film stays funny despite the depressing atmosphere and I like that everyone is in on the joke and not afraid to show some of the weaknesses of themselves or of their character. Evan Goldberg created a game for himself during filming. The goal of the game was to get as many cast members as possible to say, "No I can't do that" or get them to refuse to do something. According to him, the only people he wasn't able to break were James Franco and Seth Rogen.
To tell you the truth at times it feels more like sleepover with lots of home videos and time to time skits that remembers why they are there and gets back to story and action. I believe the true test of how much you will enjoy the film comes down to how much you enjoy the stars of the film. If you are a fan I believe you will enjoy the film. If you dislike them or their movies, I don’t believe this will be the one that will be the Game changer. It’s an odd mash-up of films a buddy comedy film with an apocalypse film. The film plays with the rules of both.
The early scene of the apocalypse with the death of many celebrities will please some of the fans and the haters of so called celebrities. I only wish they would have gotten bigger names that many of us would love to see perish at least in cinematic fashion. P. Diddy, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kanye West maybe? (Not that I am not a fan of the last three) All of the paintings that can be seen hanging in the background were actually painted by James Franco
At the heart of the film is the theme of friendship. As really while there are plenty of celebrities the true stars of the film are Jay Baruchel (MILLION DOLLAR BABY) and Craig Robinson (PEEPLES). While Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and James Franco are around you feel used to them while the other two are more usually supporting actors who here get to step into the limelight and shine. While being the more affective actors and also letting us get to know their personeas I love the fact that they are really sending themselves up as they have worked and helped each other become stars. Here they are in their own way tearing each other down. Not in the brutal way the film might lead you to believe but in a cutting safe way that is enough for the audience to be shocked in and enjoy.
The Scene Stealer in the film surprisingly more than anyone else is Danny McBride he walks away with the film. Though we are used to his on screen personality here he ramps it up and goes over the cliff. His character has nothing redeeming about him and he isn’t afraid to go there and obliterate it. He has the most memorable scenes with him and James Franco arguing about masturbation and a later scene that involves him and a Celebrity cameo. I was hoping it was going to be Michael Cera and for the first 30 minutes it was, Sending himself up as a drug and party addicted jerk. Then all of a sudden McBride steps on the screen with a kickass- visual introduction that usually is the entrance of a hero.
Seth Rogen stated in an interview that at one point during production every main cast member took him aside and told him that they couldn't do what he was asking him to because it was going too far and getting too extreme. James Franco was the only cast member that never turned anything down. My only worry is that this film is more in the moment. Where as we all recognize the stars and know of the baggage and recognition they bring with them to the film, But what happens for the next generation when watching it? I am afraid it will feel outdated if you don’t actually know about them and their fame. It’s almost like a tabloid movie where the interest is all in the celebrities where as if this was a comedy with the actors playing regular characters it would maybe age better, But then the problem becomes that there would be little interest in the premise and the comedy and situations wouldn’t work as well especially on a meta level. Not to the level of your typical Charlie Kaufman (BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) Maybe I am just thinking too hard about this as i really want this film to be considered noteworthy for all time if not a classic.
The film has pacing problems some scenes and bits goon too long and a few either are disposed of without explination or are far too short. I realize how much they might have liked some of the material, but honestly some scenes go on too long to get to the joke or just don’t work. It’s like the new season of Arrested development I like it overall, but it worked better when the characters mixed it up instead of relying on one character. Because then the episodes felt endless and could have been shorter. Or like a Saturday night live skit where the central idea is funny but it’s not working and you have to sit through the whole skit.
The humor of the film jumps from smart to juvenile and some may cry the film is a bit misogynistic as there are endless dick jokes visually and orally. Yet there is always a sense of fun and makes the audience feel stuck in the situation with the stars and feel strangely comfortable and at home.
I wish I could give it a higher grade as I had a really fun time with the film. But I have to be truthful to the audience and also look at it from a filmmaking and intellectual level somewhat. A Must See and add to the library when it is available
GRADE: B+
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