Pineapple Express (2008) Is A Hilarious Throwback To The Big Comedy Movies Of The 2000s. It Blends Stoner Humor, Action, And Surprisingly Good Chemistry Between Its Cast. It May Not Be One Of The Greatest Comedies Ever Made, But It Is Still A Fun Ride!

Pineapple Express (2008) Is A Hilarious Throwback To The Big Comedy Movies Of The 2000s. It Blends Stoner Humor, Action, And Surprisingly Good Chemistry Between Its Cast. It May Not Be One Of The Greatest Comedies Ever Made, But It Is Still A Fun Ride From Start To Finish.

I usually talk about movies that I think are true classics, but every now and then it is nice to revisit a film that is simply entertaining. Pineapple Express, released in 2008, is one of those movies. It is not a top five comedy of all time for me, but it is absolutely worth watching if you are looking for a couple of hours of laughs and ridiculous situations.

The film was directed by David Gordon Green, which surprised a lot of people at the time since he was better known for making smaller independent dramas. The screenplay was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and you can definitely feel their style throughout the movie. The dialogue is natural, the characters are goofy, and the comedy never takes itself too seriously.

Seth Rogen stars as Dale Denton, a process server whose life is turned upside down after witnessing a murder. James Franco plays Saul Silver, Dale’s easygoing marijuana dealer, and the chemistry between the two actors is what really makes the movie work. Their constant arguing and awkward friendship create some of the funniest moments in the film.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Danny McBride nearly steals the movie as Red, delivering some of the biggest laughs with his over the top performance. Gary Cole, Rosie Perez, Kevin Corrigan, Craig Robinson, and Ed Begley Jr. all add memorable moments and help keep the energy high throughout the film.

The story begins when Dale accidentally leaves behind a rare strain of marijuana called Pineapple Express after witnessing a corrupt police officer and a drug kingpin commit murder. Suddenly, Dale and Saul find themselves being hunted by criminals while trying to stay alive. What starts as a simple stoner comedy quickly turns into an action movie filled with car chases, shootouts, and outrageous fights.

One thing I really appreciate about Pineapple Express is that it mixes genres better than most comedies. It is obviously funny, but there is also plenty of action, and some of the fight scenes are surprisingly well done. The movie never forgets that its main job is to entertain.

James Franco deserves a lot of credit for his performance. Saul could have easily become a one note character, but Franco gives him enough personality and charm that you actually care about him. It is still one of my favorite performances of his career.

Danny McBride is another standout. Every time he appears on screen, he brings a different kind of energy that fits perfectly with the movie. His timing and delivery are excellent, and he ends up with some of the most memorable scenes.

No, I would not rank Pineapple Express among the greatest comedies ever made. I think there are stronger comedy classics from the eighties and nineties. But that does not mean this movie is not worth watching. Sometimes a film does not have to be groundbreaking to be a lot of fun.

I also miss this style of comedy. During the 2000s, Hollywood regularly made original, R rated comedies that were willing to be weird, take chances, and let talented actors bounce off each other. It feels like we do not get nearly as many movies like this anymore, which makes Pineapple Express even more enjoyable to revisit today.

For me, Pineapple Express succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be. The cast has great chemistry, David Gordon Green keeps the pace moving, and the mix of comedy and action works much better than it probably should. It is funny, ridiculous, and never pretends to be anything more than a good time.

More than fifteen years later, Pineapple Express remains one of the better comedy films of the 2000s. It is not a top five comedy of all time, but it does not have to be. If you are looking for an old school style comedy with memorable characters, plenty of laughs, and a little unexpected action, this movie is still an easy recommendation.