Different, but oh so much fun.

Rating: 8/10 (28 January 2009)

Most of the problems in the United States can definitely be solved with drugs. With drugs in our system, we wouldn't care about the lack of jobs, lack of morality, warfare, and all that jazz. Okay, so this method of thinking will drive certain political parties up the wall, however, the druggie effect seems to work more with movies. This decade we've seen an influx of films featuring the controversial herbs and spicesranging from good to just plain awful. Cheech and Chong would be absolutely proud of this bucking trend. Now we have the Apatow gang throwing in their ideas into the mix. While before they loosely toyed with drug jokes (40-Year-Old Virgin's random scenes, Knocked Up's infamous mushrooms sequence) they went all out with their next production.
Pineapple Express is not just a drug film; its one that meshes comedy with a heavy dosage of action. Then, unlike most genre-twisting films; this one separates the action from the comedy into two different acts. While the first half does have its action, it's totally infused with hilarity. In the second half, the movie takes a more somber tone; the comedy is there, but it's much more subtle as shootouts, fights, and absolute carnage spews all over the area. Not everyone likes the whole lets-change-the-entire-pace-of-the-movie ideal; which is what makes films like Moulin Rouge, From Dusk Till' Dawn, and Kill Bill Vol. 2 hit-and-miss flicks for the general audience. Pineapple Express isn't as funny as one would hope, but its definitely entertaining enough to keep your interest until the end, and let's not forget the wonderful performances and quirky one-liners.
The movie follows a court-process clerk that wears disguises and hands out subpoenas (Seth Rogen as Dale) that takes his drug dealer Saul (James Franco) into hiding after he witnesses a cop (Rosie Perez) commit a murder alongside the next subpoena victim (Gary Cole).They have to hide because both of them are involved with a very rare drug, and the cops could easily trace the drug back to them. With all the hiding, they run into a double-crossing buddy, assassins questioning their job, and more complications than you can imagine. Written by Evan Goldberg and Rogen himself, it's easily one of the most original action films written within the past couple of years. The premise was very interesting, and definitely frays away from the typical drug-addict film.
Seth Rogen doesn't just provide a grand script, but his performance is pretty good as well. He's never over-the-top yet believable and lovable enough for you to root for him; even when he is at his worst. James Franco's Golden Globe nomination was no fluke, he perfectly fit the role of the irresponsible, not-too-bright, yet reliable druggie. Rosie Perez and Gary Cole could have been more sinister as villains if they had more to say besides what's going on and what their next plan is going to be. Last but not least, we have the awesome Danny McBride providing even more comic relief as one of Saul's partners. While the protagonist side had many good performances and screen time, the antagonist side had a lot of short, small, and underused performances (Craig Robinson, ugh.)
The directing role went to someone very few expected; a well-known, low-key indie filmmaker by the name of David Gordon Green. Directing mostly dramas and low-budget simple tales about growing up and all the jazz; he pretty much abandons his roots by going with this kind of movie. Sort of like what Green Day and Metallica did to their music, this total shift of film-making must have alienated some hardcore fans. Despite some questionable moments, Green does a decent job in maintaining the tone and pacing of the movie; until the third act when it looks like a totally different movie altogether. This was a very hit-and-miss decision and while it was entertaining the final 20 minutes; it wasn't up to par with the improvisation and mayhem of the first 80 minutes.
While Pineapple Express does contain the writers and actors of the Apatow gang, its definitely a different sort of Apatow picture. Usually, we have raunchy and adult comedy with sentimental value and plenty of heart underneath. Not here. Here there's total carnage, insanity, and an ever-moving plot that seeks no common road. This isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you are willing to expand your horizons a bit, then you'll have a blast.
Bottom Line: Two genres in one, two movies in one, and one heck of a crazy time. Pineapple Express mixes classic stoner comedy material that would make Cheech proud with action that would make younger Michael Bay proud (before he decided to blow up anything that can be built). Rogen and Franco are perfect as buddies on the run from corruption; hopefully we'll see more of Franco now that the Spider-Man days are behind him. While the directing and pacing becomes very uneven in the third act, it's just what gives this stoner flick its personality. Don't expect an entire thread of just comedy, but multiple threads of multiple different genres woven together to create an experience you won't see often. It's not frequent that one year can deliver two great stoner movies (Harold and Kumar sequel was funny as well), but 2008 was full of surprises.
Bust out the "herbs and spices" and "cook up" a hilarious evening with this "special recipe." Wait. Now I'm hungry. I wantWhite Castle.
Back to the movie review. Recommend. Thumbs up for approval.
P.S. The munchie ordeal continues.