Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (Hurwitz/Schlossberg, 2008) — Reviews
#1
DVD Talk Godfather
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Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (Hurwitz/Schlossberg, 2008) — Reviews
IMDB | RT: 54% | April 25, 2008
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is probably one of my favorite comedies of this decade and I'm glad that it got at least some renown after its theatrical release. The sequel is one of my most awaited movies of the year (seriously!) and I can't wait to see it tonight.
Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have been mixed, but it's gotten a good review from the NY Times for example. I'll be seeing this and reporting back later.
#2
DVD Talk Legend
Quick review as I'm heading to class:
I caught a sold-out midnight showing and everyone dug it. It's non-stop hilarity for it's fast-paced 100-minute running time, but it's not as fresh or original as the first film. It replaces some of it's smart, satirical humor from the original with a lot more low-brow bathroom gags.
I'm happy that my friend (Amir Talai, who plays Raza) has one of the biggest laughs in the entire film.
STAY for the scene after the end credits. Trust me.
I caught a sold-out midnight showing and everyone dug it. It's non-stop hilarity for it's fast-paced 100-minute running time, but it's not as fresh or original as the first film. It replaces some of it's smart, satirical humor from the original with a lot more low-brow bathroom gags.
I'm happy that my friend (Amir Talai, who plays Raza) has one of the biggest laughs in the entire film.
STAY for the scene after the end credits. Trust me.
#3
Banned by request
I also saw it with a sold out midnight crowd and we all loved it. As Matthew said, it's pretty much non-stop laughs, but no, it doesn't have the fresh spontaneity of the first one. Still, there are some brilliant sequences in it, and Christopher Meloni had me in stitches.
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
I also saw it with a sold out midnight crowd and we all loved it. As Matthew said, it's pretty much non-stop laughs, but no, it doesn't have the fresh spontaneity of the first one. Still, there are some brilliant sequences in it, and Christopher Meloni had me in stitches.
The only three things that I disliked about the sequel:
1) Rob Corddry is a hack and needs to be banned from Hollywood. If it wasn't for the actors around him on screen, his scenes could've been borderline awful. For the third feature film in a row, I wonder how the hell he has a career.
2) The romantic subplot with Kumar and Danneel Harris' character brings the film to a screeching halt whenever it's brought into play. I realize it is a driving force for how the film gets to it's third act and eventual climax, but it's just boring and there's no fun to be had at all when those scenes take place.
3) The supporting cast doesn't get enough time to shine unlike the last outing. NPH, David Krumholtz, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Ed Helms, and Meloni all deserved more time to let rip. Roger Bart was sadly wasted, but my God, Beverly D'Angelo's cameo came the fuck out of nowhere and was amazing.
I really like the film and was laughing my ass off for a majority of the time, but compared to the last one, it could've been tweaked a bit for the best.
Last edited by Matthew Chmiel; 04-25-08 at 06:28 PM.
#5
DVD Talk Godfather
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This felt like an epic comedy. It didn't drag, but it didn't have the out-of-left-field jokes that the first movie had, with one exception:
I agree with Matthew, it would've helped to have the characters "do" a little bit more but at the same time I didn't want this dragged into 2+ hour Apatow territory. This was a great movie and it won't disappoint. My friend who saw it with me said it was one of the rare cases where the sequel topped the original. The audience loved. I did too, but thought it could've had just a few more tweaks. Highly recommended if you liked the first one.
If you haven't seen the first one, I recommend you watch it before seeing the sequel.
Spoiler:
I agree with Matthew, it would've helped to have the characters "do" a little bit more but at the same time I didn't want this dragged into 2+ hour Apatow territory. This was a great movie and it won't disappoint. My friend who saw it with me said it was one of the rare cases where the sequel topped the original. The audience loved. I did too, but thought it could've had just a few more tweaks. Highly recommended if you liked the first one.
If you haven't seen the first one, I recommend you watch it before seeing the sequel.
#6
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Can't believe the positive reception this thing is getting around here. After all the shit that movies like "Meet the Spartans" gets people would give this lowbrow, pro-pot smoking, anti-American POS of like this a pass.....and an endorsement. Blech.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Last edited by Wolf359; 04-26-08 at 01:44 AM.
#7
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Originally Posted by Wolf359
Can't believe the positive reception this thing is getting around here. After all the shit that movies like "Meet the Spartans" gets people would give this lowbrow, pro-pot smoking, anti-American POS of like this a pass.....and an endorsement. Blech.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Sure it's a review thread, but if you haven't seen it, there's nothing to review.
I, a non-pot smoking Canadian who doesn't give a shit about patriotism regardless of country and would never use the word "dude", loved the first one (and would NEVER see "Meet The Spartans" or "Superhero Movie" or any of that horseshit) because the characters were so good, and will gladly see this one.
#8
DVD Talk Godfather
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Originally Posted by Wolf359
Can't believe the positive reception this thing is getting around here. After all the shit that movies like "Meet the Spartans" gets people would give this lowbrow, pro-pot smoking, anti-American POS of like this a pass.....and an endorsement. Blech.
#9
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Can't believe the positive reception this thing is getting around here. After all the shit that movies like "Meet the Spartans" gets people would give this lowbrow, pro-pot smoking, anti-American POS of like this a pass.....and an endorsement. Blech.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
You have been a member of this forum for over a year, YOU know how it works and your comments are aimed at people who like the movie and you are trying to insult them.
Do you get some sort of silly fascination commenting on a movie you have never seen?
As others have pointed out you are clearly threadcrapping, no need to ask you to lighten up, we will just tell you to go away and ignore you.
#10
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I saw this last night with a pretty full crowd, and there was a constant flow of laughs throughout the movie. I was dissapointed it wasn't as fresh like previous posters mentioned, but as low brow as it was, I enjoyed it a alot. But, yea, more Meloni, more supporting, and, besides Raza....best party ever.
#11
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by The Bus
it didn't have the out-of-left-field jokes that the first movie had
So you're saying it needed more Jamie Kennedy?
#12
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Yeah, I agree I would have like to see more out-of-left-field jokes. It could have used more rabid raccoons, Jamie Kennedy, & Ryan Reynolds
I'm a big fan of the original, and felt that this one was a bit dumbed-down and also lost some of the heart. Overall I did enjoy it (and most of my friends thought it was funnier than the first), but I would have liked to see less "laugh because you're shocked" moments and more real comedy. Sadly, shock moments tend to not hold up over repeated viewings.
I'm a big fan of the original, and felt that this one was a bit dumbed-down and also lost some of the heart. Overall I did enjoy it (and most of my friends thought it was funnier than the first), but I would have liked to see less "laugh because you're shocked" moments and more real comedy. Sadly, shock moments tend to not hold up over repeated viewings.
#13
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Can't believe the positive reception this thing is getting around here. After all the shit that movies like "Meet the Spartans" gets people would give this lowbrow, pro-pot smoking, anti-American POS of like this a pass.....and an endorsement. Blech.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Now bring on all the "Whoa, dude, like...lighten up." responses.
Dur.
#14
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Shilex
Yeah, I agree I would have like to see more out-of-left-field jokes. It could have used more rabid raccoons, Jamie Kennedy, & Ryan Reynolds
The out-of-left field jokes are there (and just like the first one, help serve to move the story along), but I don't think they're as funny or insane as the first go-around.
#15
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^Those were the highlights for me...but I couldn't help but come away disappointed. I thought it was funny, but not nearly as funny as the first flick. I thought the 'cyclops' was a pretty weak joke and totally unnecessary (kind of off-putting). I think they had some decent supporting characters and situations that got shortchanged for the unfunny Rob Corddry stuff. I actually like RC but he dragged the movie to a screeching halt...
I also felt that Harold & Kumar didn't get as much funny material for themselves as the last film... some really great moments, but I think this was a rewrite away from being a worthy follow-up. Something just felt off to me... still, funny enough for fans to see, but won't be getting the repeating viewings I had anticipated (looks like I'll see Forgetting Sarah Marshall with my other friends this weekend instead).
I also felt that Harold & Kumar didn't get as much funny material for themselves as the last film... some really great moments, but I think this was a rewrite away from being a worthy follow-up. Something just felt off to me... still, funny enough for fans to see, but won't be getting the repeating viewings I had anticipated (looks like I'll see Forgetting Sarah Marshall with my other friends this weekend instead).
#16
DVD Talk Hero
For me, the first 2/3 of the film were so-so to average, but the last 3rd of the film almost salvages what came before it, but not quite. I am really tiring of Rob Corddry, he basically ruins any scene he is in (for pretty much any film he appears in).
If you're a fan of the original, this is an average sequel, so temper your expectations.
I give it 2.5 stars, or a grade of C+.
If you're a fan of the original, this is an average sequel, so temper your expectations.
I give it 2.5 stars, or a grade of C+.
#18
DVD Talk Legend
I haven't gone yet, I was going to last night but the latest shows are around here are at 10:30 even on Fridays.. I'm going to try and catch it tonight. I've been waiting forever for this to come out..
Glad to hear it delivers!!
Glad to hear it delivers!!
#21
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by The Bus
They could've done so much more with that though.
#22
DVD Talk Legend
Yeah, I also thought Corddry was the weak link here although I did laugh at his wild insensitivity. But overall that character reminded me too much of Will Ferrell's character from Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, which to me was the weakest part of *that* movie.
#23
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I've never seen any H&K flicks but this one has me interested.
#24
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Giantrobo
I've never seen any H&K flicks but this one has me interested.
#25
DVD Talk Godfather
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Originally Posted by Giantrobo
I've never seen any H&K flicks but this one has me interested.