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Films from the stable of Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow seem to roll into multiplexes on a more frequent basis than CNN mention Barack Obama in one of their telecasts. A constant stream of good material never tires audiences though and the duo continue to reign supreme in the comedy-with-a-relatable-core-story genre. Pineapple Express is similar to Knocked Up and Superbad in the way it illustrates the struggle men have adjusting to adulthood. Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server caught in the crossfire of a childhood with seemingly no responsibilities and a similar grown-up life with a weed fixation. After witnessing a murder, Denton turns to his dealer, Saul (James Franco) for support. The murderer is actually Saul's main drug supplier, and because of Saul's access to some extremely rare high-grade pot (called Pineapple Express) the two are quickly tracked down and chased through comedic setup after comedic setup akin to Midnight Run.
Drug references, humorous sexual discourse, male bonding, and hilarious Ferrell-esque tirades litter the running time and director Green's two leads are superb, but it's his supporting cast who steal the show. Danny R. McBride's morally indefinable Red is simply outstanding and the actor seems to improve with every outing thanks largely to how free he is allowed to run with his improvisation boundaries. Indeed, his idiotic redneck southern drawl certainly improved the disappointing Drillbit Taylor and The Heartbreak Kid, and he even trumps Tom Cruise as being the highlight of Tropic Thunder. In addition, Gary Cole showed in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby that he possesses outstanding comedic timing and that point is reiterated here with his awesome villainous turn as Ted Jones. Also worthy of a mention is Amber Heard who more than holds her own battling the ridiculously stupid (in a good way!) improvisational nature of the dialogue she shares with Rogen, her onscreen boyfriend.
With Rogen as a reliable foundation, Franco plays off him with ease. Leaving his Spider-Man persona and his uptight reputation in his trailer, Franco steps out here as an ultra scruffy loser who hasn't a care in the world aside from his grandmother and his 'business' as a drug dealer. Cinema has seen many stars chillax in certain roles but Franco's Saul has to be the most laid backed character in filmic history. Think of the chilled turtles from Finding Nemo and slow their voices and thought processes down completely and you have Saul Silver, a stoned loser who transforms into an action hero by the outstanding climax of Green's film. Rogen and his screenwriting buddy Evan Goldberg really have a gift in the way they can dream up quirky situations and wacky characters with such simplicity.
The summary
A joy of a stoner comedy you don't have to be high to thoroughly enjoy.
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