I saw Pineapple Express recently and I must say, it's not bad. It's not insanely funny or full of non-stop laughs like some of the other Apatow films, however, it does have a very Midnight Run and Hot Fuzz vibe to it, right down to the quickly cut montage of people loading and cocking guns. It's a very conventional action-comedy plot of two guys on the run from bad guys, but the film always breaks from convention the second it feels like it's starting to become cliché.

I wouldn't call Pineapple Express a stoner comedy like how a lot of other people are describing it. I consider "stoner comedies" to be movies that are ONLY funny while under the influence of something; films like Dude, Where's My Car? or every goddamn Cheech and Chong movie ever made. Pineapple Express, on the other hand, is just an action-comedy that happens to focus on two characters who are stoned all the time, which, surprisingly, makes it feel more original than it should be. Their bad (and sometimes good) decision making is fueled by their pot usage and subsequent paranoia, so sometimes things don't go like they would in another action-comedy film. For example, the fight scenes in the movie involve characters who are stoned off their asses, which makes for some of the most hilarious and intentionally inept action choreography ever.

The main thing I want to say in this review is that James Franco is freaking hilarious in this. His character is full of funny one-liners and easily could have been a one-dimensional stereotype, but with how Franco plays him, he comes off as disarmingly naive and completely likable. I would recommend watching this for his performance alone. Honestly.

Pineapple Express is not the best film ever, although it did entertain the hell out of me. It's funny and filled with action, but the violence might take some people aback (especially in the third act). If you can handle, say, Die Hard, you'll probably be okay. I'd recommend Pineapple Express as a definite rent, but watching it in the theater is a matter of taste. If you feel that action-comedy films like Midnight Run or Hot Fuzz lose something by not seeing it in the theater, then by all means, get your ticket for Pineapple Express.

FINAL SYNOPSIS: 8/10 -- Pineapple Express is really fun and enjoyable, despite a few missteps in the plot department.