‘Pineapple Express’ has Heart in its Humor
-----Pineapple Express caught my attention form the first time I saw the trailer. The energetic song ‘Paper Planes’ by MIA gave life to what already promised to be a hit comedy. And though the song doesn’t appear in the film, it perfectly embodies the overall mood of this buddy/stoner comedy. Strong performances and classic lines make this one of the best surprises of the year.
-----Dale (Rogen) buys his weed on a regular basis from drug dealer Saul (Franco). Dale sees himself above a drug dealer and therefore tries to avoid any true friendship with Saul. Saul, however, sees the two as best buds and tries frequently to hang out with his pal. Saul offers Dale some exclusive Pineapple Express, a rare type of marijuana that Dale is all too eager to purchase. Dale is enjoying a joint in his car when he accidentally witnesses a murder through a window across the street. Scared, and stoned, Dale drives off in a hurry, accidentally smashing two cars around him, turning on their alarms, getting noticed by the murderers, and worst of all, dropping his joint on the street. Realizing the joint could be traced to Saul and himself, he drives back to Saul’s apartment where the two begin their journey trying to elude their persistent pursuers. Through circumstance, the two bond together in one of the funniest buddy comedies of all time.
James Franco, of Spider-Man fame, steals this film. Rarely have I ever seen Franco do comedy, not to mention stoner comedy. His line delivery and physical accentuations make him one of the most loveable and relatable stoners in movie history as he gives one of the finest performances of the year. Seth Rogen also turns in a classic Rogen performance and the chemistry between the two leads drives many of the films scenes.
-----The cinematography only lends to this finely scripted film. Locations, fight scenes, and many more elements are grounded to a certain extent often adding to the believability of this bizarre scenario. Fellow pot dealer Red (Danny McBride) also lends to the mayhem further heightening the comedy and chemistry that make this such a comedy classic. As the films third act comes to a close you’ve already had more laughs than expected, and the closing scene continues the brilliant comedy that filled the rest of the movie, depending on line delivery over gross-out-gags to entertain.
-----This movie is worth seeing just for Franco, who is quickly becoming one of the best young actors in the industry. The rest of the cast only add to the fun, and the film is expertly executed. The stunts are great, the action nicely done, and the trailer’s promises fulfilled. This movie may prove to be a cult classic, and should only widen typically independent film director David Greens’ audience. This is one worth seeing for anyone who appreciates great acting, chemistry, crude comedy, and of course, any fans of the buddy/stoner comedy genres.
-----Oscar Watch: James Franco received a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. Could he have a chance at an Oscar Nomination? Probably not, but I’d like to hope so. It’s not every day a drug dealer is lovable.
