This is the End is a Hilarious Tale of 'Real' Celebrities Dealing with the End of Days

This is the End (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Written by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Pineapple Express)

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride

Imagine the world is coming to world coming to an end, and you are at a party at James Franco's new stylish pad, and go.  That is the basic premise to the the film This is the End (set to be released June 12).  Apocalyptic movies often have dark/ominous tones, but why not have some laughs as the world falls out from under your feet? Literally!

End starts as its centers around Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel two best friends from their Canada days playing themselves.  Everyone plays a version of them self in this movie, although Michael Cera's representation may be a bit exaggerated, and if not that's even funnier.  Jay is not an "L.A. guy" and is in town visiting Seth.  Seth and Jay end up going to a party at James Franco's house, insert a lot of amazing cameos from some of the funniest people working today, and you have one hell of a sequence.  After some pot and a need to get out of the party Jay drags Seth away from the fake Hollywood types only to have things go bat shit crazy.

I do not want to give any of the jokes from this film away, because they are far too funny.  Nor do I want to hype this movie the way people do with films like The Hangover or Bridesmaids, but its safe to say this may be the funniest film of the summer.  The cameos are endless, from Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Kevin Hart, Mindy Kailing, Aziz Ansari, Emma Watson and many more.  There is one cameo towards the end which stole the show for me, but I will let you discover that masked man on your own.  

I think one of the best parts about this film is the clever way the script uses a version of reality to make fun of the situation, along with the actors and their true selves.  From the fact that Jonah Hill is a nice guy and now that he has an Oscar nomination he has to step up his game, or the gay jokes/rumors about James Franco, to the way the film pokes fun at films they have done like Seth Rogen in The Green Hornet.  Rogen knows his pals, and co-screenwriter (who has worked with all of these people before) knows how to stick the knife and jab with true comedic wit.  The script obviously has it flaws, the duo tend to sometimes let gags run on too long, and for those not in "the know" some of the gags may not make much sense.  Yet, the jokes were some of the funniest I have heard in a long time, especially anything that makes fun of Spider-Man 3.

This film is clever and a step ahead of both Superbad, and Pineapple Express (which came from the the same creative team.)  I have heard Seth Rogen talk about this project, and it was clearly something he was passionate about.  This film took a lot to get financed, and to find a production company, but when all was said and done the end result is something that will be remembered.  I like the direction from Rogen and Goldberg, they are taking comedy to a new level with this film.  While their previous collaborations have been funny, this film is both smart, and funny, which sets it apart from many films within its genre or type.  This is the End, is a not just a great comedy, but an laugh out loud enjoyable film.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Avoids the Cliche and Becomes a Solid Film

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (3 1/2 out of 5 Stars)

Directed and Written by Stephen Chbosky

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller

As the stress of my actual job builds and undergraduate students check into my building I needed to take time away from my job.  The "perk" came in my e-mail last week, and went to the AMC Loews in the Boston Common to see the advance screening for this film.  Confession, I had never read the book so my anticipation was merely based on the trailer.  When I got there also had no idea the author of the book, who also wrote and directed the film would be doing a Q&A after the film.  

The film centers Charlie (Logan Lerman) an introvert entering his first year of high school after a bit of a breakdown while in middle school.  Charlie narrates his journey through understanding how to navigate the complex world of high school.  At a football game Charlie unintentionally notices a senior from his shop class named Patrick (Ezra Miller) who seems like Charlie, more of an outcast.  Charlie is so taken under the wing of Patrick and his step sister Sam (Emma Watson).  Charlie soon embarks a journey with his senior friends and becomes part of this group of "wallflowers" the kids who are on the outside of things.

The film's strength, and heart come from writer/director (and the author of the novel), Stephen Chbosky.  Chbosky knew his material well and even in his Q&A time was so articulate about the transformation of his own novel to the big screen.  Few authors take their work, and direct and write their own screenplay for Hollywood, but this man did, and met the challenge.  The beginning of the film had a bit of a slow start, and understanding Charlie was a challenge, but while speaking Chbosky highlights the challenges of portraying an introvert on screen.  Once Charlie meets his friends, the story takes off and not only does Chbosky shine, but his screenplay is one of the most impressive tales/accurate portrayals of high school I have ever seen.

Set still in 1990 Pittsburgh like the novel, the characterization of bullying, and being an outcast is so aptly portrayed, without ever being cliche, or maudlin.   The film has timeless elements that last throughout, like your first crush, but makes you nostalgic for the days of mix tapes.  Using nostalgia allows the films older audiences to help create a strong bond with this film. While the film may seem "youth oriented" Chbosky never tries to hard to make this a film accessible to all.  The film is genuine, and never panders to the audience to make you feel as though you need to try and buy something.  Chbosky's characters and the actor who play them have a lot to do with this, sealing the emotional contract within this film.

  Logan Lerman who has played people like Percy Jackson does a great job changing things up with a much quieter performance as Charlie.  Playing someone who struggles internally at such a young age is a challenge, but Lerman does a great job. Ezra Miller's Patrick was a thing of beauty, and you could tell Chbosky had such admiration for him when he spoke, although he seemed to love all of his cast.  Miller did a particularly good job breaking the norm.  Miller had such a strong performance, and I would like to see him get some attention come Oscar season.  From Paul Rudd who plays Charlies inspiring English teacher to Joan Cusack who plays his doctor, even small roles felt important, and these actors did an incredible job taking you on the emotional journey of this boy.  My only disappointment was with Emma Watson..While I love Watson she seemed the most awkward in the role, although this may have been the direction given for character.  Watson was stronger in her humorous moments, while fell flat in a few of her dramatic moments. 

The film is funny, sad, touching, and is a great representation of what people go through on their journey to becoming adults.  Chbosky  used his own life experiences, along with the lives of those around him; he let us into the vulnerable world of an adolscent boy and his friends, showing people that that are perks to being on the outside, and you have to find those people who get you.