Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express was directed by David Gordon Green from a script by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It's about two stoners (Rogen and James Franco) who are on the run from a murderous drug supplier and his strange crew, which includes Rosie Perez as a crooked cop.

 

I can hear you all now... "Lori?" you ask. "Why in the world did you want to see this? It's a stoner action movie..."

 

To which I reply, "Exactly."

 

C'mon! A stoner action flick?! How in the world is that possible?!! I don't know, but it works. I don't smoke, drink, or do any drugs (I know...a sober writer...crazytalk) so some of the humour goes over my head instead of to it, and there are a few awkward moments and jokes that fall flat, but overall it was actually pretty funny. I can't explain it, but I will say that it was the red band trailer that made me want to see it. The red band for Step Brothers? Not so much. And I haven't watched the red band for Tropic Thunder yet because I already know that I'm going to watch it.

 

Though some of the jokes are predictable, it's often the delivery that makes them funny and all credit for that has to go to James Franco and Seth Rogen. Cheech and Chong they're not, but they're close enough to watch for almost two hours, with trailers, and not really think about how really freakin' funny Up in Smoke is and how no one can top that, though this is a valiant effort.

 

I do have to say two things: First of all, the relationship between Rogen and Amber Heard would have been better in the film if it had been developed into a plot point that meant something. It was useless.

 

Secondly, Rogen himself doesn't seem to be much of a leading man. I haven't seen Superbad or Knocked Up or whatever else, but he seems to be the type of actor who just keeps playing the same role. I look to The Green Hornet and Zack and Miri Make a Porno for confirmation when Kevin Smith dishes up the latter later this year. Plus, and this is weird, his voice is alternately awesome and irritating. That's just a me-thing.

 

Overall: yes it was predictable, but I enjoyed it immensely and it's not my normal cup o' tea. For those of you who want to blaze up something illicit during the flick, do those of us who don't indulge a favour and either do it before coming to the theatre or wait for DVD.