This Is the End [2013]

Seth Rogen presents a wholly original premise: He and his movie buddies — all meta-playing themselves — party at James Franco’s house when the Apocalypse hits. The execution is nearly great, with Michael Cera and a musical finale as the highlights.

d: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg | imdb.com | trailer | Emma Watson
Pineapple Express 2 | The Real World | Interview: Rogen, Goldberg

Django Unchained (2012)

Quentin Tarantino does what “Lincoln” can’t — blow up the damn plantation himself. An emancipated Jamie Foxx brings the explosives in an (important) slavery revenge fantasy and spaghetti western, while Samuel Jackson is stunning as an Uncle Tom.

d: Quentin Tarantino | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
I’m curious ... | I’m getting dirty. | You scaring me.

21 Jump Street (2012)

The remake of the 1980s television series splits the difference between complete goof and homage, casting Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum the next generation of undercover high school cops. The whole thing works, with a few cameos from the original series.

d: Phil Lord, Chris Miller | imdb.com | trailer | Angry black captain
You idiots are perfect. | It’s getting very real.

Moneyball (2011)

Based on the book by Michael Lewis, the baseball film asserts that the Oakland A’s won 103 games with only their “Island of Misfit Toys,” not with the best player and best pitcher in the league. But Brad Pitt is believable as general manager Billy Beane.

d: Bennett Miller | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
Biggest fear | Player evaluations | He plays for Detroit now.

Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Russell Brand’s portrayal of Aldous Snow — the British rocker from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” — as both outlandish satire and human being is pitch-perfect in a wild road picture with Jonah Hill and Sean Combs, who plays a music industry executive.

d: Nicholas Stoller | imdb.com | trailer | Seattle? | Chocolate Daddy
Your last album ... | Lars Ulrich | I love this game. | Adrenaline

The Invention of Lying (2009)

Ricky Gervais’ first film isn’t as smart or funny as his HBO series “The Office” and “Extras,” but he fashions a clever premise — a world without lying — into some great moments and a gentle commentary on religion. Louie C.K. is especially good.

d: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson | imdb.com | trailer
Any messages? | You’re fired. | birthday coupon for sex

Funny People (2009)

Director Judd Apatow’s most mature work mines the dark world of stand-up comedy for dick jokes followed by moments of pathos. Adam Sandler plays a movie star — a meaner, lonelier version of himself with a leukemia-related death sentence — and he’s very good.

d: Judd Apatow | imdb.com | trailer | Kill me. | “Charlie Rose”

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Jason Segel writes and stars in this break-up comedy, performing the first Dracula puppet musical and exposing himself (literally and emotionally) to Kristen Bell. But Russell Brand, as British rocker and sex god Aldous Snow, steals the movie.

d: Nicholas Stoller | imdb.com | trailer