Just twelve months ago, very few people had ever heard of Seth Rogen. However, like any true comedian, Rogen smashed his way onto the Hollywood scene by impregnating a beautiful woman who was nowhere near his league. From there, everything has fallen into place as the new 'it' man of comedy continues to produce hit after hit after hit. However, Rogen's work is cut out for him as he teams with the often dramatic James Franco in Judd Apatow's new stoner flick, Pineapple Express.
In the film, Rogen plays Dale Denton, a community servant who loves to get high while on the clock. In addition, Dale is dating a high school girl whom he loves to visit during her down time at school, a practice that is not tolerated by the school administration. One day, after smoking a new strain of marijuana, Dale witnesses a murder at the home of his next subpoena. Within seconds, he has dropped his joint on the pavement and sped from the scene. However, the joint is that of a rare breed, so rare that it could lead any knowledgeable pot smoker to Dale and his dealer. This sticky situation sends both men on the run as they try to outwit and outlast a local drug lord who wants nothing more than to see them dead.
Though the story, and the film itself, is slightly ridiculous; I can't help but be impressed with the work of Rogen. Using fluid body language, Rogen was able to fully become his character, creating an adorable yet hilarious man out of Denton. From his clever dialogue to his precise timing, Rogen lights up the screen in every scene, confirming that he is one actor who can turn any role into a funny one.
However, it was James Franco and his unexpected performance as pot dealer Saul Silver that really propelled the film from your average stoner flick to pure greatness. Presenting a character as rugid and clueless as Silver was something that Franco had never done before; however, with his precision comedic timing and his strong chemistry with Rogen, the Spiderman alum was successfully able to sell both himself and his character.
Additionally, up and coming actor Danny McBride, who made his name known in this summer's The Foot Fist Way, stars in the first 'good' comedy of his adolescent career. Keeping the pace with his two co-stars, McBride is able to provide for a handful of clever lines and classic deliveries; thus giving the film the rare appearance of a three sided punch.
Also making a presence in the film is Gary Cole and Rosie Perez, as the drug lord and his corrupt cop sidekick. These two, though playing the stereotypical, stupid criminals that seem to make their presence in every movie with pot in the plotline, help give the film an even balance. Though they were never hysterical, they do provide for some fun and entertaining sequences; thus allowing the film to come full circle and entertain from beginning to end.
But as the film progresses on, and audience members get to see three hilarious performances from the film's lead actors, you can't help but appreciate all that this 'stoner flick' has to offer. From the hilarious dialogue to the strong character bonds, the film is able to set itself apart from others of its kind and breakout as possibly the best comedy of the year. And after a summer full of crappy, unfunny films, it is truly a blessing to finally catch a glimpse of something that works. It is just unfortunate that we had to muster out this long for it. Love Guru anyone?
