Manic Movie Magic: Rapture-Palooza

The apocalypse has become an increasingly popular subject for films, probably because people thought we wouldn’t live to see a 2014. Still, most films looked at it from a comedic route rather than a dramatic one, since there’s apparently nothing you can do but laugh in the face of death. Amongst all the other blockbusters, like Finding a Friend for the End of the World and This is the End, there is this little indie number that snuck under the radar and onto Netflix. Is it better at dealing with the absurdity of the end of all things, or does it just fall flat like the rest?

Let’s take a look at Rapture-Palooza.

The film follow two teenagers, Lindsay and Ben as the rapture happens and they are left behind to deal with all the crazy meteors, insect, zombies, and more. They dream of building their life together in this broken, ruined world when things go from bad to worse with the appearance of the Antichrist. The Beast, as he calls himself, develops an infatuation with Lindsay and they try to use it to capture him and end the rapture. As you can guess, it doesn’t really work out the way the planned, but what do you have to lose at the end of the world?

I’m just going to come right out and say I don’t like Craig Robinson. Some people don’t like Tom Cruise, some people don’t like Kevin Hart, I don’t Craig Robinson. His character is particular gross in this film as the lecherous and slimy Antichrist. Some people find watching him try to disgustingly woo Lindsay with lines that would typically earn someone a fist to the face funny, I find it cringe-worthy. Personally, I could have done without it, but since the point was to make everyone feel uncomfortable, he does its job perfectly, but it’s another Craig Robinson performance I can’t stand. Otherwise the acting is great, Anna Kendrick is funny, as are John Francis Daley and Rob Coddry, with strong performances from the supporting cast.

I know there’s funny in there somewhere…somewhere I can’t seem to find.

The overall film feels like something made by, for lack of a better word (and trust me I tried to find one), a hipster. It’s cool and detached, wry and witty while still feeling young and somewhat fresh. It even has cutesy notebook doodle animation, and it fits the tone of the film. This Juno-esque film-making is not exactly funny, it’s too dry for that, but it can be amusing in an absurd sort of way. It’s not my cup of tea but I can understand why some people would enjoy it, weirdness and all.

The story and direction are the shining aspects of the film, with great use of the camera and diverse locations. The overall plot is well put together, and even inventive towards the end, with a very subtle brand of comedy, like the zombie neighbor who won’t stop mowing. The editing is strong, and were it not for the weird skeeviness which seems to come right out of nowhere, it would be a really good film. Oh well, at least they make up for it by trying to murder The Beast and every there biblical character involves with giant guns.

Those super guns should really be military standard.

Rapture-Palooza is a good movie that devolves into absurdity midway through before bringing it back to a more fun, less gross absurdity. I do honestly think that it is a movie worth watching but one that doesn’t fit my particular taste. It does have some good jokes, good payoffs and good acting but it feels like a stoner movie. If that’s what you’re into, then you should watch it, otherwise I’m giving it a soft pass (especially when in less than 700 words, I have said all I need to about this particular movie).

Rating: 3/5

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Starshine5050

As just a regular, hard-working work, often-stressing, procrastination-mastering history and journalism student, I often turn to the silver and small screens for relief, even though I'm only an average cinema-and-television loving viewer, commenting on what, and does not, makes good entertainment. I love horror everything - book, TV shows, games, movies - even though they frighten me terribly. I'm a long time believer of the old saying "When life gives you lemons, don't take life's lemons! Give the lemons back!" So, onward I go, returning lemons and logging an unhealthy amount of screen time for your enjoyment. So please be sure to read my stuff and let me know what you think, I'm alway looking to improve and be the best, most cynical critic I can be!

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