Comedy as an artform.

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 2008)

Pineapple Express (2008) ***1/2 It was one of the last names you expected to see helming an Apatow joint - David Gordon Green. Yes, the indie art filmmaker, of George Washington and Undertow fame. Being a fan of a) Green, b) the silly but sweet stylings of Apatow, Rogen, et al, and c) marijuana, I was definitely in for this one.
And yes, I will admit, I was under the influence when I saw this picture. Does it matter? Despite what the critics say, I really don't think so. Then again I was high, what do I know? Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server who happens to love smoking weed, and has aspirations to become a talk radio host. His dealer is Saul, played hilariously by James Franco (yea you read that right, he's damn funny). After buying some extremely rare weed from Saul, Dale goes to serve one Ted Jones, the guy who sold the weed to the guy who sold the weed to Saul, who is the only guy in the entire city with it. Got that? Dale sees a lady cop (Perez) and Ted (Cole) kill a man in cold blood, and being high, you know, like, totally freaks out. He tosses the roach, and flees to Saul's place. They put 2 and 2 together, and realize they better get the hell out. From here on out, they are chased by Cole's henchmen, and must find ways to hide, until high school girlfriends, old age home grannies and dead cats are brought into the mix. Meanwhile, they make use of pretty much every action movie cliché along the way.
Pineapple Express is very, very funny, in that lackadaisical random conversation kind of way. If you're into that kind of humor, I'm sure you'll love it. Meanwhile, the action scenes are quite well done, and choreographed to comedic effect right down to the staple one liners (you've been served, bitch).
Among the funnier characters in the film is Red, played by Danny McBride. He not only continues to sell out the heroes while trying to be their friend, but continues to get beat up, shot, and live to hilarious effect. Also funny is the final shootout, which makes full use of the action movie rule that when you run out of bullets, you will immediately find a new fully loaded fun within arms reach.
Green's finger prints are evident throughout the film, although I'm sure most viewers will be paying no attention to that. As Kubrick once mused about making a porno, Green takes that a step further by making a buddy action comedy. Its not just in the great tradition of 80s staples, but more or less is one. Green is one of the great young filmmakers working today, with credits such as George Washington and the highly underrated and overlooked Undertow.
The film-making is assured, with Green taking on board his usual crew. Tim Orr's cinematography and compositions are quite refreshing in a comedy. He and Green continue to make use of wide shots, flowing camera movement, and simply just great cinematography. Green also employs his usual great editing style. This time he makes some great use of classic scene transitions and wipes that are nice to see on the big screen again.
Pineapple Express certainly is funny, yes. What sets the movie apart though is Green's direction. He clearly had a ball making this picture, and the unique style in this comedy is likely to send more big budget work his way. Although, I'm sure I speak for everyone, when I say please remember to stick to your artful small films. On the other hand, I'm sure I speak for many of you when I say, kudos good sir.