Midnight Pineapple Run

Rating: 8/10 (17 August 2008)

Rather than pay homage to great action-buddy comedies of the 1980s - films like Midnight Run and Beverly Hills Cop - Pineapple express merely tries to be one. Of course it's impossible to perfectly recreate the period, and some contemporary sensibilities have made their way on screen - but nothing particularly distracting. Weed is a MacGuffin here, and those expecting a stoner comedy should rent a Cheech and Chong film (also, change your underwear and get a job, you bum).
Franco nearly walks away with this film. It's been a while since you see an actor in a comedy completely disappear into a role. But it's McBride, the latest of Apatow's man-children (and hopefully the last - he's great, but how many more can you have?), who is the revelation. His improvisational talents and brief screen time make him more of a secret weapon.
Gary Cole is having a lot of fun.
Rosie Perez warning in full effect - but she doesn't say much.
Great cameos from Ed Begley Jr. and Bill Hader.