HAROLD AND KUMAR'S NEW MOVIE ON TARGET

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TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP
MOVIE REVIEW
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John Cho With Kal Penn

I wasn't a fan of the first two films of stoner buds Harold Lee and Kumar Petal, but after watching the third installment of their very, clever series, I am now. The series has become a critical and financial success; with the initial two films, produced on a total budget of $21 million, grossing $67.4 million worldwide. The first two were also very strong home video sellers as well. This third installment (after 2004's Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and 2008's Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay) finds the now-somewhat-settled Harold, married, with his wife's rather outrageous Mexican-family visiting for the holidays. Harold, who has decorated his house somewhat over-the-top-ish in an effort to win's his father in law’s respect, inadvertently burns down the sacred Xmas tree the father has brought with him. So, begins the task, of first, reconciling with Kumar and, then finding a suitable tree replacement. This is indeed one of those epic-series, that if you buy into the non-stop hilarity, crude language, and the non-stop marijuana usage … you'll find it a fun flick. I went in thinking that this all might be a bit beyond my comprehension … wrong! Kal Penn (Kumar) and John Cho (Harold) are so comfortable in these roles, that it's a delight to watch them have as much fun as the audience. Neil Patrick Harris, who plays himself, is a total hoot here; as he and his partner (David Burtka), dispel the fact that they are a couple and Harris actually comes onto a dancer with hilarity ensuing. Although Harris seems to have done every reasonably action and hosting gig so far this decade … he's inspired here. He really is quite accomplished. Danny Trejo and Paula Garces, as the father and wife, are totally within their lines here as well; Trejo who has played almost nothing but bad guys throughout his career, just visually brings his bad, bad gravitas every time you see him and Garces brings on the fire. This is one of those movies that while the plot is in full motion, there are just some excellent stand-alone moments: David Krumholz as Goldstein, a character that has forsaken his Judaism, yet still knows who-owes-what over a lunch bill; Patton Oswalt as a weed-dealing Santa; and Elias Koteas as a Russian-mafioso intent on protecting his daughter's virtue. The entire movie was shot in real 3D, which means it was always intended for this rather amusing technological effect. Truth is; it works great and just may well be among the best ever use of this technology. Clearly, many shots are aimed (get it!) directly for the 3D format: projectiles of vomit; breaking glass; and, even Santa on his sled in the sky, come right at you. The SRO-screening crowd we sat with absolutely loved it and almost knew every plot twist before it happened. Suffice to say, that with help from the real Santa, after a near-fatal incident, everything is at last put right. Will there be a fourth installment? I'd bet the tree on it!


Photos By: Sara de Boer/Retna