Warning: ‘Pineapple Express’ may cause contact high

Film review

“Pineapple Express” is a movie in the same vein as “The Big Lebowski,” not, however, to be confused with being in the same league.

It’s more like “Bill and Ted,” albeit with modern and adult themes.

The plot, which is likely better understood stoned, are arranged around a special strand of pot.

Did I mention it’s a stoner movie.

It’s also strangely violent. Particularly strange because there were no explanations even attempted to explain the cause of the “war” taking place between the head pot dealer and the, well, I’ll just say it — ninjas.

Also, Rosie Perez, what are you doing in this movie? Was the small character of a dirty cop too alluring to pass up? Again, strange.

I imagine this movie becoming a dorm room classic — with all the partying and celebration of partying going on, it’s likely viewers will want to party while watching. I half expected someone to pass me a joint in the middle of the movie theater.

At about the halfway point, the story gets lost in random fights, which are done clearly just for the fun of them. Admittedly, the car chase sequences were riveting.

I also found it interesting (strange even, sorry) that there were moments when I felt compelled to almost shout at the film, in a good, rally kind of way. There is a decidedly “Legalize it” position held by Dale Denton (Seth Rogen), beginning with his opening monologue, that toes the line into propaganda.

Although it’s the first time I mention him, Rogen is clearly the star and draw for this film. It’s why I went, and I was not disappointed in his comedy. In “Pineapple Express,” Denton plays a man who serves court papers for a living, and in so doing witnesses a murder. His drug dealer and partner in adventure is Saul (James Franco). The two have a great odd couple dynamic.

I didn’t feel like shouting at the end of the film, as many in the audience did, along with some applause. It’s definitely very male-oriented; Denton dates a high school girl in the movie with little to no shame. Yet, it will surely cross gender lines with its cannabis theme.

All in all, I’d say the evening was not a total waste.