Let’s face it, it’s Judd Apatow’s world and we’re just laughing in it. At least that’s the way it must feel in Hollywood these days. Just about every successful comedy released in the past few years is either written, directed, or stars someone from the Apatowverse. The latest addition to the Rogan Galaxy is Pineapple Express.
Even though Apatow has a “story” credit on this film, the screenplay honors go to his padawans Seth Rogan (Knocked Up), and Evan Goldberg (Superbad, written by). Pineapple Express also reunites Rogan with James Franco (Spider-Man), his co-star from the “one and done” season of Apatow’s highly acclaimed NBC sitcom Freeks and Geeks.
I’m going to spend as much time telling you what this film is about as Judd Apatow did pitching it to Seth Rogan. Rogan quotes Apatow, “How about a weed-action film?” That’s exactly what you get with Pineapple Express. Stoner process server, Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) and a pot dealer, Saul Silver (James Franco) are on the run when Dale witnesses a murder committed by Saul’s drug supplier.
A film like this throws the success or failure squarely on the shoulders of its performers. The story is just a vehicle to get to the next joke. Fortunately for Pineapple Express, its performers are some of the best young comedic actors working today. Rogan plays his usual part as the “smartest” of the smart-asses. Much like comedic actor Will Ferrell, Seth Rogan has found his niche in Hollywood and is able to pull off the same character through most of his projects. However Rogan’s success is the complete opposite of co-star James Franco. Many audiences will be shocked at just how talented Franco is at comedy. Already with compelling dramatic roles in City by the Sea, and Annapolis, Franco is most known for his role as Harry Osborn in the Spider-Man trilogy. But in Pineapple Express viewers will be treated to a whole new perspective at the one-time James Dean look-a-like. Franco not only has great comedic timing but he is also very believable in the character of a low-level pot dealer seeking the approval and friendship of one of his customers.
Another familiar face in this film is Gary Cole, very well known for his roles in Office Space and The Brady Bunch Movie. Cole plays drug kingpin Ted Jones who is in a territorial war with the Chinese drug syndicate. Cole can play any character and make you smile, even without a punch line. His talent is all in his facial expressions and delivery.
An actor who will finally get some well-deserved notoriety in this film is Danny McBride (The Foot Fist Way). McBride takes on the role of Red, the middleman between Jones and his dealers. McBride has become a comedic chameleon, looking very different in each of his roles but maintaining that very amusing Ferrellesque overconfidence in his character’s abilities.
As expected, Pineapple Express has both great comedic chemistry with Rogan, Franco and McBride, and it has oddly hilarious writing that will make you think you’ve experienced a contact high. However a major surprise of the film is the disturbingly funny violence the film portrays. The characters in this film are subjected to some pretty traumatic injuries, coupled with low-tech sound effects that actually make gun-shot violence seem more realistic. But somehow the characters’ nonchalant reactions to the violence make it all the more amusing.
Even though it’s very unlikely, if Rogan and Francos’ careers happen to fall apart they could have a very successful endeavor using Pineapple Express as a launching pad to become this generation’s Cheech and Chong.
Acting: 8.5
Writing: 7.5
Directing/Editing: 7.5
Captivation: 7.0
Replay Value: 8.5
Total Score: 7.8
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