‘Pineapple Express’ gives a comedic high

Since the day I caught sight of the trailer for “Pineapple Express,” I knew I absolutely had to see it for two reasons: my love for Seth Rogen’s comedy and my pure lust for James Franco. At first I was somewhat skeptical of Franco’s comedic abilities, but then I thought to myself, “Even if he sucks, at least I get to look at him for two hours.” Besides, both Rogen and Franco proved long ago as co-stars in “Freaks and Geeks” that they are worth seeing together again, and boy was I right.

    Plain and simple, this movie is funny – really funny.

    For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, I hate to give away much of the plot. I think it’s best to not know what you’re getting into. Obviously, this movie is primarily about weed, but it needs to be said that “Pineapple Express” is definitely not your typical stoner movie. Do you have to be a stoner to enjoy it? Let’s just say it doesn’t hurt, but I heard absolutely no complaints from my non-smoking friends.

    There were a few things that truly surprised me about this movie. First of all, in the beginning, the relationship between Rogen and Franco is strictly that of a dealer and a buyer and, of course, it is nothing but comedy. But by the end of the movie the two have formed a bond you can’t help but be touched by. Touched by a stoner movie? Yes! I’m telling you, it’s far from typical. Secondly, “Pineapple Express” has, by far, the most killing I have ever seen in a comedy, and you’re laughing so hard at each death that you come out wondering if you should seek help.

    After having seen quite a few movies this summer, I realized the thing I loved most about “Pineapple Express” was that there was absolutely never a dull moment. Franco delivers each line with such stoner charisma and comedic timing that it doesn’t even matter what he is says, you undoubtedly bust up with laughter. If you have yet to see the movie and aren’t convinced that you will love it, just give it a shot. If you come out of the theater and can honestly say you didn’t laugh through the entire thing, it’s simple: you’re lying.

 

 

4 out of 4 stars

 

Summary: Long-time stoner, Dale Denton and his dealer, Saul Silver are forced to flee when Dale witnesses a murder connected to one of the city’s most dangerous drug lords.

 

Our take: Without a doubt, if you walk into “Pineapple Express” expecting a lot, you will walk out amazed at how much more it delivered.