PRINTTake Two: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Courtesy of New Line Cinema
May 1, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Comedy lovers all over have been awaiting the triumphant return of Harold and Kumar since their adventure to White Castle in 2004. Unfortunately, their return isn’t as graceful as anticipated. Escape from Guantanamo Bay is a movie that can be bust-a-gut hilarious, but after five minutes, your jaw will drop from the absurd and offensive humor.
After being mistaken for plane-hijacking terrorists, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) are sent to Guantanamo Bay. Luckily, they escape and must find their way to Texas to get their record cleared — even as they’re traced by a racist United States Homeland Security officer played by Rob Corddry. Finally, Harold and Kumar meet President Bush, smoke some bud with the commander in chief and talk about problematic paternal relationships.
This film contains comical moments. But at other times, the audience might think twice about laughing due to guilt. A scene in which Harold and Kumar sneak into a Klan rally is especially offensive. However, the return of Neil Patrick Harris is cause for celebration. Whereas in White Castle he was picked up as a hitchhiker, this time he is a hero for Harold and Kumar. He drives them to Texas and uses his identity as a beloved celebrity to sneak his way past the Homeland Security officer infatuated with him.
Here’s a suggestion for those deciding whether to see this stoner sequel: Save it for home viewing. Redeemed by moments of purely laugh-out-loud humor, the movie might be worth seeing — but it’d be best to do so from the comfort of your own couch.
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