By Robert Dixter Aug 4, 2008, 14:46 GMT
It seems that every time I look at what’s playing down by the local multiplex Judd Apatow’s name is up there like a $25 hooker flaunting her crooked teeth and short skirt.
It’s not always as a director but Apatow is either producing a movie or popping your corn. His latest production is Pineapple Express starring his favorite stand by, Seth Rogen. Like Superbad, Rogen co-wrote the film with his buddy Evan Goldberg but when I look at the trailer for this movie it seems to lack the heart that the other Apatow productions offer. Look at Knocked Up and Superbad, both are coarse comedies yet both are grounded in a reality that is relatable to audiences.
Audiences can understand what it takes to have a baby or make that particular girl in high school your girlfriend. Do audiences relate to two potheads on the run from a crooked cop after one of them witnesses a murder? I don’t think that has ever happened to me although there was a brief period in the late 90’s where I slept a lot. Most of the critics have said the reason Apatow’s films get away with such foul language is that they are able to be honest with their stories, but Pineapple Express sounds like a goofy excuse to bring back the careers of Cheech and Chong.
When did Seth Rogen become a leading man? He did a good job in Knocked Up, but I just don’t see him being a huge star that can carry a film. I kind of see him as the guy who shows up to take out your sister, but we all know she’s only dating him to piss off her father, or I see him as a guy who likes to fix payphones and will never ever buy a cell phone (that’s just how I see him, leave me alone). First off he doesn’t look like a leading man, not even in a “quirky” kind of way. He can only play certain roles (and holding down the lead in the Green Hornet film he is currently writing will be the true test of his leading man stature) and always turns out a slob like character (which in most cases is reserved for supporting parts).
But maybe I’m wrong. It has happened before although I still think Danny Pintauro could have grown up to be a huge action movie star. Maybe weed comedies are back. After the recent (relative) success of the Harold and Kumar sequel plans are now underway for a third. Maybe Rogen will be seen as a visionary, the guy who took a comedy about marijuana and made it a huge hit. If that happens, I’ll bet the next item to gain mainstream acceptance will be porn, and people will say Seth Rogen has done it again after he releases Zack and Miri make a Porno in October.
So after all my Apatow and Rogen bashing you’re probably thinking I won’t be seeing Pineapple Express. Wrong. The film also features Danny McBride and Craig Robinson, who are probably the two funniest up and coming actors working today. McBride just starred in the Foot Fist Way and Robinson can be seen every week playing Darryl on The Office. These guys are hysterical. They are so funny I can’t wait to see this movie (even if I have to sit through Seth Rogen smoking weed…again).
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