After producing a number of films, all of which sharing a number of cinematic themes, you can start to get a measure of a director. For instance, that’s how Hitchcock got dubbed the master of suspense, John Ford the king of westerns and Mel Brooks the joker of the pack.

American director Harmony Korine, although not quite in the same league, has certainly delivered a body of work that has his unmistakable, adult-themed paw prints all over it.

Even this his latest feature, has recognisable elements, but could anyone have foreseen Korine helming a stoner comedy?

Living an extremely casual lifestyle in Key West, Florida, is easy going, semi-acclaimed poet Moondog (Matthew McConaughey). When he gets a call from his wife Minnie (Isla Fisher), she reminds him that he needs to return to Miami pronto, as their daughter Heather (Stefania LaVie Owen) is getting married.

So back he goes, to the marital home, by his preferred mode of transport – boat. He does make it for the big day, despite cutting it short, and a very good day is had by all. His stay is marred by tragedy however, and he suddenly finds his life taking him on another path, but although it’s not one he’s necessarily expecting, he certainly manages to make the most of it.

It’s been seven years since Korine directed Spring Breakers, and if this film is anything to go by, he’s mellowed out considerably. Sure he’s still got the sunny beach locale, littered with curious characters, but the overall atmosphere is far more playful.

At the centre of this mellowness is McConaughey himself. He’s certainly in relaxed mood, to the point where he’s even prepared to have a joke at his own expense, playing the bongos as he does, mercifully fully clothed this time around. No doubt his stint of naked bongo playing in real life held him in good stead for this role.

And of course it wouldn’t be a Harmony Korine film without some flesh exposed. But he uses it as set dressing, rightly or very much wrongly, as McConaughey’s character breezes his way through on a puff of weed smoke.

Although the characters are endearing, including that of the one played by the one and only Snoop Dogg, and features some nice appearances by Zac Efron, Martin Lawrence and Jonah Hill, the story itself is somewhat on the aimless side. There is one scene however, featuring a sightseeing boat trip, that just about keeps it afloat, particularly on the laughs front, which are sadly lacking elsewhere.

It’s interesting to see Korine with a lighter side however, although with its somewhat Disney-esque quality in places, especially the bouncy soundtrack, it somehow makes the film that little bit more disturbing.

One thing is evident, Cheech and Chong won’t be losing any sleep over this one.