Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) Review

 Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) 7/10

Hello everyone. Today, I’ll be revisiting the stoner classic Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. This movie was released on July 30, 2004 with the director being Danny Leiner. Now, I’ve seen this movie a couple of times before and my brother was feeling down, so I decided to watch this with him. Rewatching it, the movie still holds up with just how stupid it is, yet it’s written in a way that makes it a timeless classic. Also, I watched the unrated, “Extreme Version”, so I got to experience the whole thing. Anyway, let’s begin.

Our story follows Harold, an office worker that was given a last minute assignment from his higher ups and is told to bring it in the next day. Kumar is very intelligent but not a very smart person. His father, a doctor, wants him to work in the medical field just like the rest of his family. Kumar, dealing with family pressure, just wants to sit at home and smoke weed all day. After a long day, the duo blaze it up at their apartment and get a sudden hankering for White Castle burgers. This is the story of their journey to White Castle as they get more weed, avoid the cops, asshole skater punks, and a night that they’ll never forget.

The story for this is so stupid, yet one of the most relatable plots in cinema history. It’s just about two bros going to get some food. There is even a character arc for both Harold and Kumar at the end. Harold finally stands up to his shitty higher ups and Kumar is ready to step up and become a medical professional. I know you’re not suppose to take this plot seriously, but it’s so damn relatable. Even if you don’t smoke weed, you understand that need to get some bomb ass food. All of the shit these guys go through all for White Castle burgers is one for the history books. And the best part about this movie: even though this is a feature length advertisement for White Castle, it doesn’t take itself seriously enough to constantly advertise their product. Their goal, White Castle, is in mind and that is all you need to understand about the plot.

The comedy is what makes this so timeless. The movie doesn’t rely too much on contemporary media outside of the movie (the only thing that comes to mind is them referencing Neil Patrick Harris playing Doogie Houser, and even then that is his most famous role outside of How I Met Your Mother). All of the jokes land and I’m sure I missed a couple because I don’t smoke myself. Even before you start the movie, the movie does a bit with the start menu. Harold and Kumar are talking to each other and then wonder why the viewer hasn't done anything yet. You know a movie is going to be great when the start menu makes you laugh. Anyway, some of my favorite scenes are: Kumar's interview at the beginning, the jay walking scene, Kumar breaking Harold out of the police station, when they finally get to White Castle, and the whole cheetah scene. The entire movie had me laughing, but these are my favorites.

The movie is actually shot pretty well. I wouldn't say it's cinematic art, but the movie looked good nonetheless. There were certain parts that used CG (the cheetah and Harold's little acid trip). These date the movie pretty badly, but it also helps sell the idea that this is a stoner movie.

The music for the movie completes this film. Utilizing some songs from the era, it exemplifies the craziness of the film.

The acting is great too. John Cho and Kal Penn stole the show with their performances. Neil Patrick Harris, Will Ferrel, and Ryan Reynolds were in this too and they were just as crazy.

Overall, I had a blast revisiting this film and I would totally rewatch it with a group of friends. This is one of those movies where it shouldn’t age well, but it ages like a fine wine. If you’re feeling down or just want to have something on in the background, then go check this out. There’s A LOT of cursing, drug use, and titties though.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next time.

This is Zorgak, signing off.