The morning after their delicious odyssey finds Harold and Kumar gearing up to follow Harold’s love interest to Amsterdam in the comedic voyage “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”
Who knew grabbing White Castle goodness could be such a trying task? Harold and Kumar (John Cho and Kal Penn) would be the answer to that brain teaser. It’s the morning after their munchie mission, and Harold’s newfound testicular fortitude has led him to inform his crush Maria (Paula Garces) of his interest only to find her interested as well. So rather than wait for her to return from Europe, good pal Kumar talks Harold into following her over the pond as a surprise. Some folks never learn.
During the overseas flight, perpetual envelope pusher Kumar shows Harold his latest invention: a smokeless bong. Of course, during his demonstration, a nervous passenger’s cries bring a slew of U.S. Air Marshalls and oodles of trouble for the unfortunate duo.
Overzealous and equally learning-challenged government agent Deputy Frye (Rob Cordry, “The Daily Show”) remarks at the terrorist plot uncovered by him. Thinking that North Korea and Al-Qaeda are now in cahoots, the dimwit sends the two pals off to the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for interrogation.
Faced with the bleak (and downright frightening) prospects surrounding them in Cuba, the pair escape and hitch a ride to the U.S. aboard a refugee boat bound for Miami. Upon reaching the U.S., the pair decides to contact Harold’s old pal Colton (Eric Winter), a high-society Republican bigwig, to get them out of trouble. Colton is marrying Kumar’s ex Vanessa (Danneel Harris) which brings Kumar around to thinking he may have made a mistake. Now faced with the prospect of incarceration and the loss of his love, Kumar drags Harold into yet another series of amazing situations as he tries to stop the impending nuptials, avoid the government and get him and his friend to Amsterdam.
Taken for what it is — stoner comedy — this flick is at the top of the heap (“Super Troopers,” “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” anything Cheech and Chong). I actually found it to be better written and directed than the first outing. The same writing team, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, once again put pen to paper and delivered comedic gold. This time out, however, they both serve double duty by donning directors’ hats as well, and doing an admirable job in that regard as well.
Cho and Penn show the onscreen chemistry that made the first outing such a fun time. This minority “Odd Couple” has become a household name based on their unlikely friendship, surviving implausible situations and their penchant for indulging in Mother Nature. Sound familiar? Of course it’s been done, but it’s still funny as all get-out.
I recommend this flick for fans of the first and those looking for an adult, easygoing laughfest. It is not for the young and the meek. That bar set so naughtily high by Judd Apatow and friends is cleared easily by this gang. So to the “cool parents” that like to take Junior out to the R-rated flick: Be warned, you’re going to be more uncomfortable and embarrassed than you can even imagine. As for those of age and the correct mindset, I can guarantee a laugh a minute tempered only by moments of genuine “I can’t believe I’m actually seeing this.” Throw in a few of those teeny burgers, and you’ll be in a green-tinted heaven. Ah, to dream.
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