by Daniel Cummings

Created on: October 04, 2008   Last Updated: January 20, 2012

The Apatow gang attempt to make stoner comedies fun again.

On paper, Director David Gordon Green hardly looks like a first choice for an action filled stoner comedy called Pineapple Express; the latest flick to emerge from current comedic kingpin Judd Apatow. Green whom is known for much more dramatic material like Undertow or Snow Angels, however has just directed one of the funniest films of year.

Pineapple Express is the second screenplay penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Their first, 2007's excellent Superbad was released straight after the brilliant Knocked Up; a hilarious double whammy that really set Apatow films on its way. Surprisingly since then, the pictures that have materialized under the watchful eye of Apatow haven't matched the belly laughs of the aforementioned hits. But with Rogen and Goldberg back on scripting duties, big belly laughs have been fully restored with Pineapple Express proving to be the funniest Apatow film since Superbad.

Rogen stars as Dale, a weed-smoking serviceman who witnesses one of his targets (Gary Cole) commit a murder. After fleeing the scene, Dale and his drug-dealing friend Saul (James Franco) end up on the run together as the killer tracks them down.

Much like the fantastic Superbad, Pineapple Express is not afraid to put its lead characters relationship first with the film becoming as much about a blossoming friendship as the action itself. Of course this wouldn't work without those aforementioned leads being cast and played correctly. First off with Rogen as Dale, we are treated to yet another funny creation from Seth but most importantly it is Rogen's most likable character to date. James Franco steals the show as constantly high drug dealer Saul. It doesn't matter that he deals in drugs; his friendly creation comes across as someone who could be your best pal. Franco's completely chilled out performance also echoes Brad Pitt's Floyd in True Romance.

The story itself is a bit on the thin side and messy in places, with a gang war between Americans and Asians amidst the chaos, but the character interplay not just involving our leads but also between the supporting characters makes up for the slightly lacking plot.

There are great lines aplenty as well as some neat action sequences also filled with laughs as our protagonists fumble their way through car chases and all sorts of situations. The car chase in particular where Saul's failed attempt at kicking out a police car windscreen as he is driving the car is one of several hilarious highlights.

As I already mentioned, supporting characters are on hand to back up the leads. Gary Cole's villain of the piece, Ted, enjoys some great banter with his partner in crime, a dodgy policewoman (played by veteran Rosie Perez). Ted's hit men are also very funny in their scenes. Last but certainly not least, Danny McBride (Soon to be seen in The Foot Fist Way), as Saul's middleman Red whom refuses to die quietly after being shot in the stomach twice, is a hoot and a perfect companion for Dale and Saul.

Verdict:

Hilarious character interplay, humorous action scenes and a standout turn from James Franco make for a great stoner buddy action comedy.

4 Stars

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