This was a review I was nearly not going to write. Sometimes its because I love something SO much, and I hesitate only because I want to make sure I do it justice, or the basic content and subject matter of a movie; well I worry that I know too little of it to judge it. The drug lifestyle is one such topic. (And you should be proud!) But then someone reminds me that is why films are made; to open people up to different lifestyles, different experiences, and the lives of others.  (And for that reason, a review for Notorious may also be upcoming)

The type of comedy I love is generally silly humour; I love Jim Carrey at his most ridiculous, I love the slapstick type comedy; and movies directed by the Coen brothers… well eh. I can miss those. So with the new Apatow/Rogen films that seem to be churning out, I’m not *completely* won over by them. Superbad had its moments, Zack & Miri Make a Porno was just.. boring, Knocked Up was ooookay (and graphic!) and nothing I’d own on DVD. They had several hilarious moments, but I just don’t think any of them were paced that well for it to be rewatchable. I’m sure I’m in the minority..

On the weekend, I needed a comedy to lighten a dreary mood, and really the only one I had around as well as one that I remember my sister telling me there were some really good moments in there; I thought okay I’ll give this a go. Plus.. James Franco really can’t go wrong!

Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server. The guy that serves subpoenas, legal documents, and he goes to such lengths as to dress up, or appear in disguise in order to catch someone trying to evade such documents; in order to catch them off guard. He does that; and smokes pot all day. For the past two months, his dealer has been laid back, friendly and somewhat dazed Saul, played by James Franco.

The way Saul talks about drugs, and the different types of pot.. is practically like the way I will talk about Zac Efron’s next project, or imagining the day when Michael Vartan moves to Melbourne. My eyes get all misty, my breath catches, I may talk faster much like a Gilmore Girl; you can just tell I’m passionate. The love of drugs, and pot.. marijuana.. is something I just don’t understand. I really don’t. But watching how ridiculously incoherent and incapacitated these guys are; whilst under the effects of the rare Pineapple Express ‘blend’ – makes this film what it is. Really unexpectedly funny, and quite possibly the best anti-drug film you could ever hope for!

Upon parking outside of a house he needs to serve a legal document to; Dale witnesses police officers entering the home; and shooting a guy point blank in the head. Against the open window. Dale is SO stoned, yet so shocked; he can’t even drive out of the street fast enough without causing a scene. If not for just dropping the joint, he manages to smash the car in front AND behind him multiple times, and he drives to the first place he thinks of to panic, and vent. Who else but dependable Saul! Then realising that the very rare Pineapple Express will lead the cop/killers back to them quite easily.

Their adventures here on in.. well, its all the more funny because the cat & mouse chase with killers that are meant to be smart, meant to be cunning but their bantering and stupidity are just as dim-witted as Santiago and Dunbar, er.. I meant Saul & Dale who they are chasing. (I totally threw in a reference that you’ll need to watch the movie to find out! I’m sneaky like that..) There are a few scenes that I can now quote from; or scenes that are just too stupendous for me to actually ruin for you; so I will actually recommend you see this. Seriously. I could honestly see this again because Rogen & Franco embody these characters so seamlessly; though there are a few real laugh out loud moments; their characterisation throughout the whole film of dazed, overly affectionate deserves major props.

The best supporting character would have to be Red; Saul’s dealer; a very stuck in the 80’s camp-as-a-row-of-tents guy, who loves his kitty, and still makes a cake for it after dying 3 years earlier. Let’s just say he gets maimed SO much throughout the film; yet somehow keeps on living. Nine lives. Hilariously played by Danny McBride, and possibly where most of my favourite quotes come from!

I would include quotes but uh.. most of them include an F Word! Go look them up on IMdB.

Now back to some good, clean fun. When’s High School Musical 4 coming out? (Kidding!)

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