A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
When most comedies get a sequel, it’s because the previous installment blew up at the box office beyond anyone’s expectations. The "Harold and Kumar" films have performed well but not insanely so. However, their presence is a warm welcome whenever they return and with the surprising success of their third adventure, I’m more than ready for a fourth.
In each of the films, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) try to accomplish a relatively simple task that quickly escalades into a madcap comedy with everyone out to get them. Usually, being high most of the time allows them to naturally react to all the mayhem while also accepting it faster than the audience.
Since this is the Christmas season — released in theaters in November, on DVD in February … close enough — they have to work together to get a new Christmas tree to please Harold’s father-in-law (Danny Trejo). Many years have passed since they escaped from Guantanamo Bay, and their friendship is a bit rocky. They each have a new best friend who isn’t the most compatible (played brilliantly by Amir Blumenfeld and Thomas Lennon). A mysterious box with a giant blunt brings them together as they try to save the holidays.
The film’s willingness to just go into the silliest places works to its strength. Every use of the 3D is for a winking, cheesy effect, usually involving horrific bodily fluids. Its random directions work better than the last film because it isn't trying to one-up itself. Director Todd Strauss-Schulson understands why people like these films, so he plays upon the nostalgia with a nice bit of style. Neil Patrick Harris’s obligatory cameo further challenges how irredeemable and mythical the character is. Harris is a star playing everything with complete deadpan as if he was a soulless imp.
Of course, everything is wrapped up with a little message about how friendship is the most important (I think weed is supposed to be second … then Christmas.). Unlike most films of this subgenre, this doesn’t feel disingenuous. Through every frame, it’s evident this is a movie that actually likes its characters and its absurd world. The lack of cynicism is rare and what makes these films worthwhile. I’m game for another.
The set comes with a DVD and Blu-ray version of the movie as well as a digital copy. I don’t have a 3D TV but I (sorta) wish I did because the 3D sequences in 2D look a bit off with the lighting. There is an extended cut with a whole extra six minutes! Whoa! There aren’t a lot of bonus features, but there is one where they just let Thomas Lennon riff and I’m always game for that.
Film: 4 Yaps Extras: 3 Yaps