Pineapple Express
After witnessing an underworld murder involving a corrupt cop (Rosie Perez) and a drug kingpin (Gary Cole), straitlaced pothead Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) must go on the run with his dealer (James Franco) to escape the wrath of the vengeance-minded criminals. Acclaimed indie auteur David Gordon Green directs the stoner road comedy, penned by Rogen and his Superbad co-writer, Evan Goldberg.
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Pineapple Express is a return to the succesfful great buddy action movie formula that seems to have been absent since the 80's (Rush Hour excluded for quality purposes) Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) is a process server who has a taste for the herb, and his dealer Saul Silver (James Franco) has some of the rarest around: Pineapple Express. After purchasing this treat, Dale heads off to finish a job: serving Ted Jones (Gary Cole) with a subpoena. Ted just happens to be the boss dealer for Saul's business. When Dale witnesses a murder by Ted and a corrupt cop, his instincts kick in and Dale loses the joint and runs back to Saul's. Ted knows his product anywhere and when he sees the remnants of Pineapple Express outside his house, he knows exactly where to go. Cue the action and laughs. As Dale and Saul are on the run, they find themselves in more trouble and a bit less functional while smoking pot all the time. While the trailer makes this seem like more of a stoner comedy, the script and direction is much smarter than a Harold and Kumar with a little more reality thrown into the mix. At times Pineapple borders on parody, especially in the handling of one of the key characters Red (Danny McBride). Red has a trademark uncanny ability whose inexplicable nature is absolutely hilarious and used perfectly for comedy. An interesting note...shortly before production, Seth Rogen and James Franco were actually playing each other's role with Rogen as the dope dealer and Franco as the sort of straight man with a job. Producer Judd Apatow and writers Rogen and Evan Goldberg decided it would be funnier and a bit more challenging for the role switch. The result is fantastic with Franco making a great return to his comedic talents not exhibited since Freaks and Geeks (NBC). Pineapple Express is a fresh marriage of recent comedic trends and actionÂ…Check it out.- Bad Oman Ltd
This is more than a stoner comedy, more than a buddy flick, more than anything I expected, and much better than any comedy I've seen in a long time. It is outright crazy over the top fantastic and just plain fun. If this does not spawn a entirely new sub-genre, it defines and sets the standard for it. Meet the Stoner Action flick! It starts out funny and just gets better. The laughs don't stop with the action. It is hilarious before after and during the great action sequences. I knew James Franco was good, but he has outdone himself in this movie. I suspect this will give a huge boost to his career and I predict we will be seeing him in more leading roles both comedic and serious. Seth Rogen is good too, but I think Franco stole the show. The whole cast did a great job, and the writing and directing were excellent. Everything came together in this near perfect masterpiece. I couldn't ask for more and I highly recommend this Stoner Action Comedy to all.
- couchdog53
This is one of the funniest and most daring wide release comedies made in years. It's over the top and nuanced, absurd and subtle and there's something in it for just about everyone, whether it's brutal action sequences, stoned banter, or a quiet unforgettable image. The fact that the two lead characters are stoned gives the movie a childlike naivete captured perfectly when the two find themselves in the woods and choose to enjoy it all for a moment. The film lets scenes breathe and so we get a real sense of atmosphere rather than the mathematics of a plot. What's great is that it's not ironic, the film is genuinely sincere. Rogen plays Dale a process server who scores weed from Franco's Saul. The film captures the odd relationship between a pot dealer and buyer. Dale doesn't want to hang out with Saul but it's a necessary evil to scoring pot. During one visit Saul sells Dale some mythical Pineapple Express weed and then he is off to work. As Dale is preparing to serve someone he witnesses a crime and flees the scene and heads back to Saul's where the two go on the run. Then the film goes through a checklist of 80's action movie cliches, turning all of them on their head. From the music to an underground hideout full of bad guys to car chases to a perfectly timed one liner the film puts these inept characters in these "movie" situations and then watches them try to get out. The acting, specifically by Franco is amazing. He plays Saul with Brando-like authenticity creating not only a believable character but also a lovable guy. Despite his greasy appearance you really want to hug him. And Danny McBride as Red is a comedic revelation. Because of the outlandish premise the film is rather fragile. It could have devolved into a forgettable stoner comedy but the filmmakers aren't lazy and try to come up with something new in every scene. The fact it never winks at you in the process makes the experience even better.
- Paul Logan