**The following is a long form review that I originally wrote in 2013.** Sorry for the double 'self' here, I really couldn't think of another word) Self-portrayal in film is the biggest form of self-gratification since the invention of masturbation. And no movie has ever wanked harder than _This Is The End_. Let me give you the list: * James Franco * Jonah Hill * Seth Rogen * Jay Baruchel * Danny McBride * Craig Robinson * Michael Cera * Emma Watson * Mindy Kaling * David Krumholtz * Christopher Mintz-Plasse * Rihanna * Martin Starr * Paul Rudd * Kevin Hart * Evan Goldberg * Jason Segel * Six More but I feel listing them here would entail spoilers ALL play themselves. That and the non-stop dick imagery/conversation in the film, make for one goddamn aggrandised bukkake-fest. And you know what? I like it like that. All over me. Ahem. On track. I was super-popular and went to see this film by myself. But even so I enjoyed it. I really am not in the least bit fond of American Comedies. There are exceptions to be sure, but overall I feel it's best to just give them a wide berth. I was drawn to this piece though because it was reeled as a "Horror/Comedy" (and I mean, what Horrors aren't?) and also because it had James Franco playing James Franco (_Rise of the Planet of the Apes_). And I'm so very glad I let this be one of those exceptions. I quite honestly put it up as my top movie of 2013 so far. Which is more surprising to me than anyone else. To be fair, it makes reference to my all time favourite film. Ever. Watch _This is the End_ and if you can pick the moment, I'll give you a prize. I did, however (on top of aaallll my other biases) feel as though this film really was targeting hardcore movie-goers/aficionados/critics/filmmakers/writers/etc. and I fit in to... Well at least most of those categories. I'm reading over this review and seeing what a bastardised clusterfuck it is. But that's because I just reallyreallyreally want you all to go out and watch it! And I feel anything else I can say would be all spoiler-y. Look, it's the sort of thing I usually would hate, and I am absolutely in love with it. Pleeeaaase go watch this movie with a friend and tell me what you think. I might get back to a more levelheaded review after a DVD release. 80% -_Gimly_

Mediocre middle hinders. <em>'This Is the End'</em> adds some uniqueness alongside the standard apocalyptic fare, the mass cameos are amusing and the fact that the characters are playing exaggerated versions of themselves is a good touch. The apocalypse elements are done well enough, though the bits at the start are where it peaks. The middle of this movie dragged a fair bit for me, I didn't really find it all that comical; the beginning, again, has the most amusement, as well as a fun end piece featuring that Floridian boyband. This is based upon a short film, so I guess it was always likely to feature lull moments - after all, Seth Rogen type flicks do tend to play off quite thin premises anyway. Speaking of Rogen, he doesn't actually stand out that much here, surprisingly. To be honest, none of the cast really do all that much, come to think of it. I wouldn't even say there is a star performer onscreen, which is disappointing given the big names involved. All in all, not necessarily a terrible picture but it is just not one I can say I liked, all things considered.