Because I wrote earlier about Franco in his Oscar nominated performance in 127 hours I decided to focus on something that definitely was never going to be nominated for awards.

Officially categorized as a "stoner action comedy film" (a category that I didn't know existed,) Pineapple Express takes on the truly important issues in life such as witnessing murder by police officers and really enjoying weed.

The sequence at the beginning where they place Private Miller (played by Bill Hader) in a containment area and hilariously hand him marijuana cigarettes while using over-the-top protective gear to prevent contamination creates an extremely funny insight as to how the harmless drug may have been categorized as illegal in the first place.

Miller proceeds to talk trash about the military and just act goofy even while being grilled by a superior officer on the other side of the protective glass. This scene alone makes the movie worth watching but actually has very little to do with the story.

Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) is a process server (someone who hands out court summons) who loves a toke. He stops by his dealer's house and picks up this new type of herb called "Pineapple Express" which is very strong. It is a funny exchange and introduces us to Saul Silver (James Franco.) At his next summons process for Ted Jones he accidentally witnesses a murder committed by Ted and a corrupt police officer. Dale accidentally leaves behind a roach. He thinks all is fine until it is revealed that this roach, in the right hands could be traced back to Saul.

Thus begins their hilarious attempts to avoid both the police and the mobsters that are now pursuing them. This leads them to meet with "Red" played by Danny McBride - who is actually more of a hindrance to their progress than a help. But he does have a bunch of guns.

It should be obvious at this point in my write-up that the storyline isn't what makes this film great, but moreso the on-screen chemistry that exists between Rogan, Franco, McBride, and one of my favorite mostly bit-role actors Craig Robinson

Here is the trailer which will tell you a bit more about the story I guess.

I can't rate this film any higher because the storyline is well, unimportant. It is, however, extremely well-written for the type of story that it is and the chemistry between all the actors suggests to me that these guys are probably all quite good friends in real life as well. I for one have watched this film many times and may very well do so again today.

7 / 10