Did you ever wonder what you'd get if you crossed Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Fargo? Well, to be honest I never really did either. On the surface it would seem like just too far a stretch. Then I started thinking: if you got some talented actors and put together a pretty good script, this could turn out to be quite a story and fun movie. With that in mind, I was actually looking forward to seeing Pineapple Express.

David Gordon Green was given the opportunity to direct a potentially good and unique screenplay provided by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg. This different kind of comedy-action film takes on new ground. The idea is that a couple of dopers get caught up in a murder mystery and must escape the attempts on their lives by the police who are involved, and by the mafia types who are in control. A new type of marijuana, Pineapple Express is part of the story line, and in the process of running for their lives, these two dopers have to come to a place where they recognize what is really important.

Dale Denton, played by wonderful character actor Seth Rogan, works as a process server. He serves warrants to unsuspecting individuals, whether for a divorce case or criminal case... which only detracts from an already meaningless life where he finds little in life to enjoy. While he is 24 years old, he has fallen for a 17-year-old high school student. While Rogan does a great job with his character, we have to wonder about some of the direction and backstories along the way.

Then there is Saul Silver, played in a fun, fun way by James Franco. In many ways Silver has lost touch with reality; his life revolves around various types of drugs, and unfortunately he hasn't learned of the difficulties of sampling the product you are supposed to be making a living from. Unfortunately for him, though, he isn't making a living; in fact, this character isn't doing much more than existing. But there is something about this character the audience can appreciate and like. In many ways, Saul Silver is a character with potential.

A third character that adds a lot of fun to the screen is Red, played by Danny McBride. Red is a drug supplier caught in the middle between his friend Saul Silver and the leader of the organized crime group providing the drugs, Budlofsky, played by the usually-talented actor Kevin Corrigan. While McBride is fun to watch on the screen, Corrigan disappoints in his flat portrayal.

Along the way there is some fun dialog and interactions with these two. They are fun on screen together and, unfortunately, they are more like real life dopers than many will realize. Unfortunately, I know about these experiences. Some of what makes the movie so funny is the ability of those of us in the audience to relate to the jokes. In those moments, the film is funny, and even enjoyable, even though it portrays a lifestyle I wouldn't want to promote.

Sure, Pineapple Express does do a good job of presenting some fun moments centered around the usage of drugs; but surprisingly enough, it also does a decent job of showing the effects of drugs and the potential to destroy lives.

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