Posted: 08/02/2004

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

(2004)

by Clint Fletcher

From the people who brought you Dude, Where’s My Car?

There comes a time in every man’s life where he must face a great deal of shame. Although all of us, as human beings, have the choice to keep our shame buried deep inside or release it upon the world, I feel compelled to release my shame because it is my job. It is my curse. Dare I say it… Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is the funniest film of 2004 thus far.

Now, before you all go throw a fit and click on the link back to the homepage to figure out that my name is found under the most God-awful movies released within the past year, just give me two paragraphs to explain myself. First off, I am very young and naïve. At twenty-one years of age, my hormones are raging and my need for vulgar insults toward other people (especially those who deserve it) is at an all-time high (no pun intended). I, however, am not a pothead. But I will say this: if you have any type of sense of humor whatsoever, you are sure to get at least something out of Harold and Kumar. Because of the reasons mentioned above, I probably got a lot more out of the flick than, say… a 35-40 year-old would?

The film stars that Asian guy from American Pie (John Cho) and that Indian guy from Van Wilder (Kal Penn). And God-bless the title, for I don’t have to explain a damn thing as to what this movie is about. This puppy’s loaded with completely random cameos ranging from Anthony Anderson to Jamie Kennedy to Neil Patrick Harris, all playing strange and perverted men. But the award for most entertaining cameo goes to Mr. Van Wilder himself, Ryan Reynolds, who once again proves he can turn any type of situation into comedy. I was glad to see him tickle my funny-bone one more time before he kicks some serious vampire ass in December alongside Wesley Snipes in Blade: Trinity. The movie has exactly what you would expect: swearing, sex, nudity, animal cruelty, and lots and lots of weed. But here’s the kicker — the writing is actually witty. And even more so, by casting just about every actor out there who has ever appeared in a 90’s teen comedy (minus the atrocious Prinze Jr.), Harold and Kumar falls into the bag of a rare breed of gross-out comedy: a hilarious romp that has the ability to make fun of itself.

Sticking to my theory that every great film has at least one major flaw, there are a few moments of absolute goofiness that are taken way too far. Most of these moments involve animals of some sort, including a weed-smoking Cheetah and a flesh-eating raccoon. But, praise the film Gods, these ridiculous moments manage to remain very contained, as opposed to director Danny Leiner’s previous “stoner-comedy” in which the second half was completely ruined by aliens, continuum transfunctioners and evil Ostriches. I only mention these moments to prepare you for the truth: Dude Where’ s My Car? this movie ain’t.

So, let’s recap, shall we? If you have a sense of humor, smoke pot, are under the age of 30, enjoy perverted classics such as American Pie and Van Wilder or smoke pot, then Harold and Kumar is definitely right up your alley. All I can say for yours truly is this film surely satisfied my late-night craving. Enjoy.

Clint Fletcher is a filmmaker in Chicago who hasn’t been to White Castle in at least a week.

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