As a “Harold & Kumar” fan, I’ll be the first to admit the series is very hit or miss. The first film will remain as my generation’s comedy classic, but the second film made little effort and left quite a bad taste in my mouth. It had it’s share of moments, but just seemed to be bogged down by politics we could all do without in a stoner comedy. The threequel hits theaters this Friday, so is it a return to form or a spark that just sizzles out? Hit the jump to find out.
Ecstacy babies, magic joints, and Neil Patrick Harris: Tis the season for A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas! It’s been 6-years since the dynamic duo last spoke. Harold is very successful and living the dream with his beautiful wife Maria, and Kumar is… well, he’s just Kumar. A mysterious package at Kumar’s door brings him to Harold, and before you know it, we’re launched into a series of mix-ups fit for a Harold and Kumar film.
Let me start off by saying what I really enjoyed about this film is it fully realizes it’s not a game changer in terms of 3D. It’s not Avatar and it’s proud of it. It’s very tongue cheek and at times self aware, with certain moments seeming like the characters realize they’re in a 3D film. Director Todd Strauss-Schulson directs the film wonderfully and really seems to be having fun with this gag. It’s big, it’s bright, it’s Christmas out the ass and I loved every minute of it.
The jokes shoot at you a mile a minute with one goal in mind: to make sure you have the most possible fun you can have in a 90-minute feature. There’s explosions, 3D pot smoke, lesbian nuns, and Neil Patrick Harris performing a musical number that will knock you on your feet. Fans of the original White Castle will also enjoy the nods to the previous films, with a whole slew of past characters returning to drop their respective cameos.
The plot isn’t overly complicated, and the characters aren’t entirely deep, but the movie seemed to have had me at “Hello”. I must stress that if you aren’t looking for a good time, don’t see this movie. It’s not mature by any means, but were the first two? I would call this film more of a ride than anything. You just sit back, relax, and take it all in.
Bottom line is, don’t think too deep about this film. It does what it set out to do: kick Christmas traditions ass in the beautiful third dimension. I give “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” a solid 4/5. Just make sure to be listening for a particular White House joke that had me laughing long after the movie ended.
