Last week I was fortunate enough to finally watch This Is The End, a brilliantly funny film. One of the best things about it is the fact that the actors are playing themselves, and confronting every critique that has been thrust upon them in recent years. I'm just going to say it now, I love Seth Rogen, a few years ago he could do no wrong in my eyes, but I guess maturity comes with my advanced years and I'm able to take him off of the pedestal that I placed him on after Superbad and see that he has unleashed some appalling things on audiences, The Watch, Observe and Report and Zack and Miri being amongst them (I don't really see the big deal about The Green Hornet). However, The Is The End shows a return to form him and the rest of his merry band of soldiers, and I'd like to dedicate some time out of my busy *sniggers* day to reminisce about Rogen's better times and hope that the follow up's to This Is The End manage to be just as stitchingly funny as what came before them.
1) Pineapple Express
I hold my hands up and say that this is my favourite comedy film in the past ten years. When I got the film on DVD I pretty much watched it everyday because it was funny every time. I don't care if Rogen played himself, because it worked! It was freaking hilarious! Even after I got over watching it everyday and put it aside for a year or two everytime I watch it it feels like its the first time again, it's still one of the most hilarious films I've ever seen. The characters were likeable, even Red who continually stabbed the protagonists in the back, and their idiocy made them completely endearing. Seeing Rogen as the lazy stoner wasn't really different, but seeing him as the straight guy of the film was a fun experience and also enabled his co-stars to excell in their comedic performances. I for one had no idea James Franco could be funny until this film. And I love the plot! One of the most far fetched in terms of Comedies in recent years but completely engaging. After watching This Is The End and seeing what a Pineapple Express sequel would be like, just sign me up! I will kickstarter that movie!!!
"I got glass in ma ass!"
"You just got killed by a Daewoo Lanos mother f*cker"
I know this isn't relevent but I'd like a Daewoo.
2) This is The End
I know, predictable right? Especially with the way I started the article! I know it's still quite recent so I'll keep this relatively spoiler free in case you still haven't watched it. It renewed my love of Rogen comedies and ripped celebrities apart! I'd been anticipating this since the Jay and Seth versus the Apocalypse short back in 2007, and was wondering why it was taking so long. Then I started to lose faith in Rogen and was kind of dredding watching the film as I felt it wouldn't live up to my expectations, but it did, it exceeded it. I discussed it with my friends that watched it with me and we all loved it and felt that it was like seven different films in one. I'm glad it took so long to make, I don't think it would have been as good if it was released around the time he became popular and I don't really know what jokes that the film would consist of. The film needed the actors success and failures to work, so it kind of makes me appreciate Rogen's rubbish films because they were good gags in the film. And also, my God this took the bromance thing to another level, while not being cheesy or disgusting. I loved every part of the film and eagerly await the release of the DVD.
This film was Rogen's baby, having written, starred and directed the film so you would expect him to be the sole star of the film but no. I think the whole ensemble were stand outs, and it's really good to see Jay Baruchel and Craig Robinson in such big roles as they tend to have minor or supporting roles. In their good films anyway.
I'm going to finish up, but just one more thing I need to say. CAMEO'S GALORE.
3) Freaks and Geeks
It's a critically acclaimed cult TV show that launched many careers, including that of Judd Apatow who probably spends all day swimming in money. Of course this was going to be up here. Theres's not really much to say about this, although it differs from Rogen's later work because it's much more grounded in reality. I for one see this as the only somewhat teen televsion show that I found relateable whilst growing up as I'm sure many of you did. Seriously, who thinks Gossip Girl or Beverly Hills 90210 was true to life? I'm pretty sure the Freak and Geek stereotype took up the majority of the school so it was nice to have a show represent us! I'm still angry more people didn't watch it, heck I'm angry that I couldn't even watch it during its initial run.
I know Rogen didn't play a huge role in the show but it is when he hooked up with Apatow and started flexing his improvisational skills so we've got to love it for that alone. I was going to pick Undeclared as it featured Rogen more prominently, but then I realised that this was top 5 projects, not top 5 roles and although I love Undeclared as well I think Freaks and Geeks was the better show overall. If the list were bigger I'd put them both on.
4) The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Again, I know that Rogen wasn't a big part of this film but he was a stand out in the supporting cast. But I can't really say that because they all pretty much stood out and if they all stand out then none of them stand out. But I got two words to explain why this film is in the top 5, "chest wax". I remember most of the film fondly, but this scene that will forever be etched in my brain. It's pretty much been carved in my skull and when people dig up my bones centuries from now they will still be able to see it.
This is why it is in my top 5. Steve Carrell was really bleeding guys. The 40-Year-Old Virgin rocks.
5) Donnie Darko
I know, Rogen was pretty much a glorified extra in this. He could've been played by pretty much anyone. Its not like the other films/tv shows when he was involved in writing, producing ect., he might as well not have been there, but Donnie Darko would've been in the top 5 things that I had starred in and I've only been in shoddy student films.
'Nuff said.
So if This Is The End hasn't washed the bad taste out of your mouth and made you have faith in Seth Rogen, I hope my list has helped.
Live Long and Blog guys!
Wonderful list.
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