Killer Buds

• The Stoner Movie Hall of Fame, by Peter Travers

James Franco doesn't mind telling you what he is doing with the rest of his summer vacation. He just doesn't want Seth Rogen to know. This is a little awkward since his Pineapple Express co-star is sitting next to him. The duo have already had quite the season. They sparked up a comatose MTV Movie Awards by lighting up a fake joint on camera while promoting their new stoner opus. MTV panned wide, and a microscandal was born. Franco has since graduated from UCLA with a degree in English. His senior thesis was an episodic novel set in his hometown of Palo Alto, California. Rogen, by contrast, accidentally broke the nose of a stuntman on his next film, Observe and Report. His summer project was writing a script exploring the touching relationship between a superhero and his valet. You can see why Franco's worried about Rogen's reaction. In Pineapple Express, the two play against type, with Franco portraying homely pot dealer Saul Silver, while Rogen depicts Dale Denton, a slightly more responsible process server. Together, they go on the lam, eventually discovering fraternal love amid a crucifix-shaped joint, machine guns and an extremely resilient Daewoo Lanos.

But that's a movie. Today, in Beverly Hills, they revert to their respective types; Rogen is the say-anything stoner with a heart of gold. Franco is cautious by comparison. Franco has recently found his inner self-deprecator, and he good-naturedly talks about problems down at quality control with his films. The conversation turns to the late and unlamented Flyboys. Rogen offers some sage advice. "I think you should avoid any film with the word 'boys' in it," says Rogen. "I learned that with Fanboys. Just skip 'boys' movies."

The two crack up, but Franco still doesn't want to say where he's going in August. He swears he is not embarrassed.

"I just don't want to say it in front of him," says Franco, jerking a finger toward his friend. He flashes the killer grin that launched a thousand detention fantasies. But the smile quickly fades, and he doesn't cough up the goods.

"Do it, James," says Rogen, his '07 Jew-fro replaced by a security-guard buzz cut. "I need to know. I promise. I won't laugh."

Franco proceeds.

"I'm going to Paris to learn French. I eventually want to get a Ph.D. in literature, and a lot of the programs want you to be able to read in two languages."

Franco glances at his pal with worry. Rogen gives his best "I'm listening" nod. Franco continues.

"Then I'm going to be collaborating with an artist named Carter. It's on an installation he's doing at an art gallery."

Silence. Rogen furrows his brow, looks at Franco and solemnly nods his head.

"That's cool."

Franco exhales.

But then Rogen's straight face deserts him. Out comes his giant bear of a laugh.

"No, it is cool, but it's also a little gay."

Franco blushes and laughs himself.

"See? I knew that was a mistake."