Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Joe Nguyen, staff writer
Aug. 13, 2004

After playing small bit parts in movies like "American Pie" and its subsequent sequels, John Cho was cast in "Better Luck Tomorrow," a groundbreaking movie that made strides in Asian American cinema by having an all-Asian-American cast. If those two movies were to have a baby, "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" would be the result.

The title of the movie pretty much sums up the plot. Harold (Cho) is an uptight investment banker who doesn’t enjoy his job. His roommate Kumar (Kal Penn), who despite his evident intelligence in the medical field, has no desire to do anything except get high. In fact, that’s a pastime that they both enjoy. After getting lit up, these two get the munchies and go in search of White Castle burgers where they encounter a slew of obstacles and meet some interesting individuals along the way.

This movie thrives on its two main characters, Harold and Kumar. Harold plays the straight man to Kumar’s wild antics. In one scene, Harold is chewed out by a cop who obviously did not attend any political correctness training. Kumar, who can’t stand watching his friend take the abuse, steps in and argues with the cop causing his friend to get thrown in jail.

John Cho, Neil Patrick Harris and Kal Penn in "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle"

One of the more interesting characters in the movie is Neil Patrick Harris, TV’s Doogie Houser, who plays himself. Harris steals the scenes he’s in by portraying a strung out, surreal version of himself. At one point, he steals Harold’s car for a joyride.

One thing that's noticable is that none of the characters have an accent, with the exception of Kumar’s father. In a recent interview, Kal Penn stated that this was the first movie he’s done without having to use one.

Although it probably won’t be nominated for anything except MTV Movie Awards, "Harold and Kumar" is definitely a fun movie if you’re a fan of films like "Half Baked" or "Road Trip." Definitely not for kids.

Joe gives "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle":

Joe Nguyen is a staff writer for asiaXpress.com. You can reach Joe at joe@asiaxpress.com.

Back to The Reel World | Home