Pineapple Express, 2007

In her determination to lift my spirits, Trish decided to invade my home and force to watch this movie. Were it not for my slight curiosity to see James Franco play a stoner, I figured the only was I'd ever see this would be with my eyes toothpicked open as if I were Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange. My initial pre-vieweing thoughts? Schlocky, overly long, crude, unfunny, lame. And now?

Oh man, I lauged like a freak. I do think the ending dragged, but this was nowhere near the stupifying two-hour indulgence of a Knocked Up or a Talladega Nights. Just like the better stupid comedies out there -- 40-Year-Old Virgin, Hot Rod are two examples -- this won me over with its naivete and cuteness. The characters here, though relentless stoners, were so innocent and sweet that I couldn't help but like them. Especially Franco's character, who was just adorable. The Man Love themes here were very cute. The drugs were not as big a factor in the "comedy" as I'd expected, thankfully.

It was a caper flick, so lots of funny side characters pop up throughout. It moved along quickly, and while, as I said, the end dragged, it wasn't so noticeable, and I found myself enjoying the whole thing right up to the predictably cute conclusion.

So, yeah -- spirits effectively lifted. I laughed a lot, I belly-laughed a few times, and I found myself more and more a fan of Seth Rogen's comedy, even though I still hate most of the films he's made. Weird.

3/5