Dir: David Gordon Green  Stars:  Seth Rogan, James Franco, Danny McBride

Synopsis:  A stoner and his dealer are forced to go on the run after he witnesses a cop and another drug dealer committing a murder.

I wasn't expecting much from Pineapple Express --- it's the billionth movie that Judd Apatow and company have pooped out this year, and Jenny had read a not-so-hot review of it before we went.  I was anticipating watching her squirm in her seat while I gave her apologetic looks for dragging her to every crappy movie I have to see --- for some reason she thinks it's my fault when the movie stinks! 

Anyway --- Jenny and I were both pleasantly surprised!  It's not quite as sharp as 40-Year-Old Virgin or Knocked Up, but it's a solid and likeable little comedy that moves along well, and has some hilarious moments along the way.  Great comedic performances by Seth Rogan and James Franco, as well as a fun supporting cast, showcasing scene stealer Danny McBride, who I think we'll see more of in the future.  FYI --- Like Superbad, Rogan also co-wrote the movie.

Is it the modern version of Cheech and Chong?  Well, sort of.  However, the filmmakers were smart enough to not just throw out weed jokes for two hours.  A plot takes over and things are set in motion.  Sure, the plot and a lot of the gags are silly, but the movie does an excellent job of laying down the vibe early on, so you're not scoffing at how unrealistic the movie becomes.  Some of the funniest jokes come at the expense of Danny McBride, who is "killed" several times, but seems to keep bouncing back.  It would make no sense in a movie grounded fully in reality --- and some movies would make that mistake.  However, Rogan and crew know that you have to set down the tone and ground rules at the beginning, so that the audience doesn't feel cheated and are able to suspend their disbelief. 

It's also noteable that the movie is one of the strongest entries into the "bro-mance" category, in fact, it seems like most of the Judd Apatow movies share that distinction.  A bro-mance is like buddy comedy 2.0 --- it's where the scenes of the movie that would normally be dedicated to developing the romantic or sexual chemistry between the male and female lead are instead given to the two lead males to profess their undying friendship.  It actually makes for some sweet moments in these otherwise vulgar comedies, helping them acheive a good balance of raunch and heart.  Knocked Up was especially good at this.  Rogan and Franko have been working together since the excellent television show Freaks and Geeks (also an Apatow production --- check it out if you haven't seen it!), and their chemistry is very good.

This movie kind of reminded me of Beverly Hills Cop --- in fact, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Rogan was paying homage to 80's action/comedies.  Even some of the music had a Harold Faltermeyer feel to it, especially in the action scenes.

Lastly --- don't fool yourself --- this movie is not for kids.  Jenny and I were flabbergasted to see a family with a five year old in the screening.  I'm no stick-in-the-mud, but this movie is vulgar.  The F-bomb gets dropped like a hundred times in the first 20 minutes, and a guy is violently murder, shot in the head on camera.  Who are these people bringing their children to these movies?

Anyway --- 3 and A HALF Dorks on the Geek-o-Meter.  Slightly above average and worth seeing if you like the Apatow movies.