Bruno

Many individuals remember stoner movies with fondness. These flicks dealt with cannabis and the accompanying lifestyle. They are entertaining and always good for some laughs. Here's a look at three movies and the history of stoner flicks.

History

Film experts say a true stoner movie must have weed in the plot. Further, one of the main characters must be a smoker. Indeed, these movies brought cannabis use out in the open. In the 1930s, the motion picture industry banned depictions of drug trafficking and drug use. There were those who wanted to break the rules. This led to "exploitation" films like Reefer Madness. Easy Rider came out in 1969 and was one of the first films to deal with cannabis use.  

Cheech & Chong

Comedians Cheech & Chong made one of the earliest stoner movies, Up in Smoke.

My personal all time favorite.

Chong plays a hippie drummer who befriends Cheech's character. The pair smoke a gigantic joint that gets them so stoned they get arrested. The men avoid jail and end up searching for more marijuana. Along the way, Immigration picks them up and they are taken to Tijuana, Mexico. The friends try to find a van to get back to the states. However, they end up getting a van made of weed. Film critics say this 1978 movie paved the way for the stoner films of the 1990s. The film is part of a trilogy that includes Cheech & Chong's Next Movie and Nice Dreams.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Critics note this 2008 film is in a different class from earlier stoner pictures. Many of the actors get high praise including James Franco, Rosie Perez, Gary Cole, and Seth Rogan. Franco takes a comedic turn as a hilarious drug dealer who's always high. Rogan plays a character who witnesses a murder and turns to his drug dealer, Franco, for help. This pairing sets off a non-stop hilarious adventure. Critics say DVDs come with hours of bonus extras.

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle

Screenwriters John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg wanted to write a low-budget stoner film based on their friends. The White Castle chain gave them permission to use their name in this 2004 film. However, Krispy Kreme would not allow their name to be used. The film follows the story of two friends who get high and suddenly desire White Castle burgers. The pair go for a wild ride on a Friday night in their search for burgers. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs and action. The film stars John Cho and Kal Penn and made $18 million at the box-office. Sequels Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay and A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas followed.

Can't Be Missed

There are other films that fans should not miss. A favorite of many is The Big Lebowski. Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire who shares his name. A couple of guys urinate on the dude's rug. They're actually trying to get the millionaire to pay a drug debt. The dude sets out to get the millionaire to pay for his rug. The journey is full of kidnapping, pornography, and laughs.

Once upon a time, the film industry banned the depiction of drug use in movies. Cheech and Chong came along shortly after the ban was lifted. Many films are included in the stoner genre. Relax with your friends and watch a couple.