Screen Scene: “Pineapple Express”

In the 1970s, college audiences were lining up to see the classic movie “Reefer Madness,” an anti-cannabis film that portrayed marijuana smokers as rapists and murders. The over-the-top nature of this film unintentionally made many stoners feel that “Reefer Madness” was the feel-good movie of the year, marking the beginning of the popularity of the stoner comedy.

Fast forward to 2008. With the positive audience reaction to “Pineapple Express,” not much has changed.

“Pineapple Express,” shot with a 1970s feel as an homage to past stoner movies and other films of the exploitation era, marks a new direction for the Apatow gang, famous for delivering romantic comedies (“The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”) and high school-themed comedies (“Superbad,” “Freaks and Geeks”). While the previous movies dealt with relationships between men and women, “Pineapple Express” successfully deals with the relationship between stoners and their marijuana joints ““ and the problems with witnessing a murder while high.

“Pineapple Express” is the story of Dale Denton (Seth Rogen, “Knocked Up”), a process server, and his pot dealer Saul Silver (James Franco, “Spider-man”) as they run away from corrupt cops and thugs. The story starts after Denton, who while smoking pineapple express ““ which according to the movie is the name of the best weed known to man ““ witnesses a murder. Unfortunately, the rare strain of marijuana is traced back to Denton and Silver, who find themselves running for their lives.

The plot may not be deep, and the movie’s end is ultimately predictable. However, the film features car chases, explosions and other scenes of a violent nature that turn this simple comedy into an action-packed movie. As evidenced in a fight scene reminiscent of the “Bourne Identity” series, part of the comedy lies in the fact that the stars of the film are supposed to be your average pot-smoking duo who are put in extreme predicaments that will leave you wondering how the two slackers will overcome their problems this time. Although it has its fair share of pot jokes, the movie appeals to anyone with a love of action and comedy, turning “Pineapple Express” into more than your typical stoner movie.

The assortment of random, slightly off-kilter characters add to the wackiness of this film, packing a laugh at every possible moment. From a soft-spoken, yet passionate psychopathic killer who loves killing people for the sake of killing people (Gary Cole) to another pot dealer who refuses to die despite being hit with bullets and bongs (Danny R. McBride), the movie features a colorful cast of characters that stand out in their roles.

While Rogen delivers a solid performance as Denton, the movie really belongs to Franco, who turns in a hilarious portrayal of Silver. Naive and trusting, Silver is a character that everyone knows, and no one can hate. Although he rarely gets off his couch and never even changes out of his pajamas, Silver risks everything to save himself and Denton, often choosing an unconventional route in order to survive but never leaving his partner-in-crime behind.

While the film ultimately revolves around marijuana, “Pineapple Express” may be the action comedy of the year that stoners and their non-stoner friends can enjoy together. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

E-mail Castillo at mcastillo@media.ucla.edu.

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