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August 7, 2008 -- “Pineapple Express” is a stoner comedy along the lines of Cheech and Chong's “Up in Smoke.” The comedy centers on people so stupid and so stoned it is hard to see how they can function at all, let alone become heroes. Even though most of the main characters in the movie are drug dealers, some of whom have been sampling too much of their own product, some of them are still likeable, despite their many flaws.
Seth Rogen of “Knocked Up” (Rogen also co-wrote the screenplay) stars as Dale Denton, a process server who witnesses a murder of a drug dealer and inadvertently gets his best friend, Saul Silver (James Franco of the “Spider-Man” movies) into trouble. Dale and Saul are on the run from murderous drug dealers and crooked cops who want to shut them up. Their days on the run are filled with misadventures which strain their friendship. Also mixed up in this mess is Dale's girlfriend, Angie Anderson (played by Amber Heard of “Never Back Down”) and her parents. The nasty drug dealer who wants them dead, Ted Jones (Gary Cole of “Breach”) is none too bright himself. He foolishly initiates a drug war with a heavily armed oriental gang. Rosie Perez of “Riding in Cars With Boys” plays the crooked cop, Carol.
Although Dale and Saul are supposed to be the good guys, they are guilty of numerous crimes, the least of which is dealing drugs. They also steal cars, escape arrest and flee from police in a stolen squad car. In addition to fist fights, car chases and gun battles there are also some big explosions in this action comedy. The final battle between the warring drug dealers is fairly violent. Dale, Saul and Saul's drug supplier, Red (Danny R. McBride of “Drillbit Taylor”) all become very unlikely action heroes. The comedy is largely situational, with some funny one-liners and lots of physical comedy. The biggest surprise in the acting department is James Franco, who is very funny as a stoned drug dealer. Also good are Seth Rogen and Danny McBride. Ed Begley Jr. of “For Your Consideration” has a funny turn as the short-tempered, gun-totting father of Angie, Dale's girlfriend. I wouldn't say any of the main characters are convincing, but they are funny as clueless, bumbling idiots.
The other co-writer of the screenplay is Evan Goldberg. He and Seth Rogen also co-wrote “Superbad,” a film with a premise similar to “Pineapple Express.” Rogen's character in “Pineapple Express” is also similar to his character in “Knocked Up.” One of the many common threads among these three films is Judd Apatow, who was involved in all three projects, this time as producer. He wrote and directed “Knocked Up” and provided the story for “Pineapple Express.” He also was a producer of “Superbad.” Apatow, along with the other members of his comedy gang, have become the kings of broad, vulgar comedy, surpassing even the highly successful comedy gang of Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and their buddies, if not in box office success, at least in sheer writing talent. This film rates a B.
Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.
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