Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Fast Food. High Times.
Two twenty-something stoner roommates — one a Korean American investment banker; the other an Indian American medical school candidate — go through a life changing journey, as they spend a night roaming the state of New Jersey in search of White Castle hamburgers.
| John Cho | Harold Lee |
| Kal Penn | Kumar Patel |
| Neil Patrick Harris | Himself |
| David Krumholtz | Goldstein |
| Eddie Kaye Thomas | Rosenberg |
| Christopher Meloni | Freakshow |
| Ryan Reynolds | Male Nurse |
| Fred Willard | Dr. Willoughby |
| Ethan Embry | Billy Carver |
| Robert Tinkler | J.D. |
| Steve Braun | Cole |
| Dan Bochart | Extreme Sports Punk #1 |
| Mike Sheer | 'I'm So High' Kid |
| Christopher Thompson | Don't You Wanna Be Cool Kid |
| Angelo Tsarouchas | Mean Tollbooth Guy |
7.20 out of 10 (33401 votes)
Visitor Reviews
So Funny!
posted on 30 Aug 2009I loved this movie. It was a laugh every two minutes. I was skeptical at first, but it was really good. The comedy was good, the story was good, and the movie was so much fun to watch. Kal Penn and John Cho did a great job as did the rest of the cast and crew. It delivered. I hope the bag of pot learns how to make a decent cup of coffee! See the movie...you'll understand. * * * *
Kal Penn+John Cho+Outrageous humor=Harold and Kumar go to White Castle
posted on 24 Aug 2009Harold and Kumar are two stoners who are best friends that suddenly get the munchies and decide to go somewhere that they haven't been in a long time.Can you guess what it is?It's White Castle.There is one thing that this movie and the actual burgers have in common.They're both really good and they don't go bad after a lifetime(except the burgers,they will go bad.)This stoner film is still one of my favorite comedies to date.I'm haven't seen Danny Lieners other film 'Dude Where's My Car', but he does an excellent job directing this hilarious comedy.The only thing that strikes me is this: why was this film nominated for awards but it didn't win any?
very funny comedy
posted on 22 Aug 2009If you are easily offended by jokes about casual drug use and promiscuous sex, you may want to avoid "Harold and Kumar Go to White Caste," a comedy dedicated to the noble causes of reckless driving, uninhibited gluttony and unbridled flatulence as well. If, however, these topics don't offend you, then you may find yourself enjoying this raucous, riotous and high-spirited tale of two young potheads who take to the road in pursuit of the world's greatest hamburger.Harold and Kumar are two young men desperate to overcome the burden of their respective ethnic stereotypes. Harold is a shy, introverted Korean businessman who wants to be anything but a shy, introverted Korean businessman. Kumar, a young, twenty-three year old Indian, has opted to become a slacker, mainly as a way of rebelling against the future his high-pressured dad has mapped out for him (being an "Indian doctor" like his far-more-ambitious older brother). One Friday night, bonged out of their minds and desperate to find a way to satisfy their "munchies," Harold and Kumar decide to go on a quest for the stoner's holy grail - White Castle hamburgers, of course. As they traverse the wilds of northern New Jersey, our two illustrious compatriots undergo a series of bizarre and often surrealistic misadventures that give them a night neither of them will ever forget.As stated before, the humor in "Harold and Kumar" is crass, crude, vulgar and epicene. It is also clever, good-natured and downright hilarious, with a little satirical bite thrown in from time to time to keep the higher thinkers in the crowd entertained. John Cho and Kal Penn make a great comic team as Harold and Kumar and the other actors are all fine as well. Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) makes an appearance playing himself, showing that he's a game player when it comes to engaging in a little good-natured ribbing at his own expense.Although "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" is not likely to earn the Concerned Parents of America Seal of Approval, that's no reason why the rest of us can't just sit back, buckle up and enjoy the trip.
Take a trip with 'Harold and Kumar'
posted on 22 Aug 2009It might look like a stupid stoner movie on the surface, but underneath the racial stereotypes, the marijuana jokes, the toilet humor and the gratuitous nudity of "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," there's a groundbreaking movie. What makes it so groundbreaking? Well, it's not the movie itself, but rather its two stars: John Cho and Kal Penn.When was the last time you saw a Korean-American and an Indian American actor co-headlining a movie? That's right, never. It's actually a bold move on New Line Cinema's part, distributing this flick without major stars or even hot young actors who might be on a WB television show. In the hands of anyone more traditional, this could have been "Harold and Billy Go to White Castle," with the titular duo turned into Caucasians and played by Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott (the stars of director Danny Leiner's previous movie, "Dude, Where's My Car?"). Thankfully, more non-conventional minds prevailed.The basic premise and plot of the movie is nothing special. Harold (Cho), an uptight workaholic, and Kumar (Penn), a smart yet underachieving slacker, are roommates who set out on a journey to find the ultimate post-smoke-up snack–White Castle hamburgers. Unfortunately for them, the journey to find the nearest White Castle is filled with random and unexpected obstacles, including crazed raccoons, escaped cheetahs, and deformed rednecks. You've probably seen most of the gags in other movies, but that doesn't make them any less hilarious.As Harold, Cho proves to be an able lead, playing the straight man to Penn's Kumar. However, Penn doesn't seem to connect as well in his role. He begins to wear thin as the end of the movie nears and I can't figure out if it's the character or Penn's performance that causes this. The rest of the cast is filled with moderately known comedic actors in great cameos, including Doogie Howser himself, Neil Patrick Harris, playing what is hopefully an amplified parody of himself."Harold and Kumar" starts to run out of steam in the last third as the punchlines and gags begin to slow down and the film starts trying to tie up all of its loose ends. Still, there's more than enough laughs to keep lowbrow humor enthusiasts entertained. There's even a tiny bit of social commentary thrown in about race relations (don't worry, it's not done heavy-handedly, but rather in the same comedic vein as the rest of the film). All in all, the film proves to be a fun ride that coasts on the novelty of its two stars. Hopefully, "Harold and Kumar" will be successful enough to lead to more films with characters like Harold and Kumar as the leads.
Lots of fun, though a lot of it crude
posted on 20 Aug 2009If you are looking to just laugh away 1 1/2 hrs, and are not too prude about it -- this movie is for you! There is not much to plot really, but that allows the director to fill the movie with jokes. For once, the movie does away with stereotypes of Asian or Indian guys, and refreshingly so. There is some crude humor involving weed, getting laid, racism, religion etc -- but its just humor. If you are looking for serious artsy stuff which talk about life, relations, etc--this movie is definitely not for you though. Plus, there are segments to it that a lot of college students can identify with -- so enjoy it!I am impressed with the acting -- specially Kal Penn. His emotions are great, and good comedy timing. He is a guy to look out for, surely. He will give the guys in American Pie a run for their money! And heck, its kind of American Pie of sorts too -- just with a Korean and Indian characters instead of all American characters. Cho is kind of bland -- maybe a part of it his character though.
The Best Hamburger Joint Out There
posted on 20 Aug 2009Everyone gets "the munchies," and they will go on a great quest to get that one thing which their taste buds are craving? These two men, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn), had a taste for the best burger on this earth. Although different obstacles are in front of them, these two men prove they are not lazy. Harold and Kumar Goes to White Castle is an infantile movie; in spite of this, it has a wonderful and powerful point. The director Danny Leiner of Harold and Kumar Goes to White Castle made this satire towards young adults showing the things that young men go through. For instance, Kumar is very indecisive about what he wants to do with his life. His family is encouraging him to become a doctor. Though his father is edging him towards the goal, he does not feel that he should do that. On the other hand, Harold has his own problems at work. He is being taken advantage of by the office jerks. This movie tells the viewers that what we want or will be is already in front of us. We only need to steady ourselves and to go for our own ambitions. The characters of Harold and Kumar Goes to White Castle are perfect for this movie. It shows the life of two young minority men taking control of their lives and making something of it. These men go from work to campus to a stranger's home and finally end at White Castle. A couple of secondary characters also assisted the men on there "journey of enlightenment." Another point I enjoyed about this movie is that wonderful restaurant White Castle. The people that have not tasted their sandwich will want one after watching this more. The thing that I like the most about this movie is the fact that I personally can relate to it. When a person is somewhere in the United States and wants one of those succulent, delicious, small burgers covered in onions, a substitute will not satisfy that craving. I highly suggest that everyone head to White Castle and take Harold and Kumar along for your ride.
Okay, but not as zany as it could have been
posted on 29 Jul 2009Wow, now I know 'Eurotrip' spoiled me, because I'm comparing all other so-called 'stupid' teen comedies to it, and this one doesn't even come close. With an oddball title like 'Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle', you know there had to be some creativity in the mix, and there is. But for a screwball movie, well, things are actually pretty normal.Harold (John Cho) is an uptight worker drone at a faceless computer corporation (shades of 'Office Space') while Kumar (Kal Penn) is a talented non-achiever who keeps ducking his father's entreaties to start medical school. The two of them are chiefly interested in getting stoned, however, and it is the by product of a late-night session that gets their hearts set on visiting White Castle. The rest of the movie merely chronicles the wacky hijinks they encounter on the road there, including an encounter with a butt-ugly local, getting their car stolen by Neil Patrick Harris (of Doogie Howser fame, playing himself), and some promising but ultimately flat encounters with some Princetonians. The movie kept me mildly entertained because it takes place in and around the area where I used to live in New Jersey, and because both Cho and Penn and very engaging and fun to watch (though Kumar is written wittier than Harold). The jokes are okay, but after a while it all feels very derivative, as if this movie was inspired by a teen-movie marathon rather than by any particularly inspired insight. A continual mocking of tattooed ‘extreme' skateboard types never gets old, though, and the overall joviality of the film helps carry it through some of its flatter moments (riding a cheetah, a pointless but required ‘baring the breasts' scene, and an overly long eschatological joke between two co-eds).'Harold and Kumar' isn't bad, but it's definitely ‘b' material, the second movie you watch at 10 p.m. after you've seen the movie you really want to see. There are a few really solid laughs, a few chuckles, and unfortunately there are a few really flat stretches thrown in. It's worth seeing at a discount theater or maybe on video, but not really worth full price. If you want to see a truly funny ‘zany teen road trip' type of film, rent 'Eurotrip'. A minor note: a recurring gag about Katie Holmes' breasts had me chuckling, and inspired the best line in the film.
Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle
posted on 23 Jul 2009Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle, is about an uptight Asian young man named Harold Lee, who is picked on at work and never has enough courage to ask the girl out in the elevator that he has a crush on. Harold, lives with his Indian roommate Kumar Patel, who doesn't have a job and has several interviews at well known universities for knowing a lot of medical informations but keeps blowing the interviews. He also likes to smoke marijuana a lot. After getting high one night the two of them decide to go to a fast food restaurant called White Castle, and get some burgers. They find out that there is no longer one in town so they will have to drive aways to get to the nearest one. Along the way they encounter many interesting people and get into a lot of trouble with the cops and during this one night have the adventure of a lifetime and have an experience they will never forget on their way to White Castle. Harold And Kumar, is a comedy much similar to the Cheech and Chong films from the 70's and 80's. While not as funny as the Cheech and Chong films, Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle is very entertaining. The film is smart, entertaining, Harold (Jon Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) make a great duo and have a great screen presence with one another and the film is very unique and also has quite a bit of good satire in it. I didn't find the film funny personally but I enjoyed every minute of their adventure and enjoyed going on this wild ride with the two characters on their search for White Castle.
Rather good
posted on 15 Jul 2009It may be that recently I've only watched very serious movies like There Will Be Blood and The Last Emperor, making this a nice carefree break from it, but I very much enjoyed this film. Sure there are a few times in this movie where I didn't laugh when a joke may have been intended, but there were many times I laughed out loud. The characters are basic but enjoyable, and this is most likely Neil Patrick Harris's best role; as a drugged out version of himself. If you're not necessarily looking for a really deep or emotional movie, and you're relaxed and ready to be pretty offended, I would suggest this. If you are looking for an un-Hollywood/studio movie, look for Requiem for a Dream or maybe Donnie Darko.
Only 'Borat' competes with this one for funniest comedy ever...
posted on 07 Jul 2009Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is a somewhat hidden gem, a work of pure comic genius. While I suppose the Monty Python movies are up there as well, this film was just pure, 100% entertainment from beginning to end. I can excuse the special effects goof and the sudden switch from night to day at the end, and even some over-the-top fart humor during the toilet stall scene, for the sake of the rest of the movie being so well done.The film centers around Harold and Kumar, two stoners who've been best friends since high school. One night, they become hungry after getting high and see a commercial for white castle on TV, and so their insanely hilarious quest to get some fast food begins.I honestly could watch this movie over and over and over, and it still wouldn't get old. This movie was just hilarious from beginning to end. Not a perfect film by no means, but a perfect comedy film.Just great. You gotta get your hands on this movie.9/10
Fantastic Movie for the Minorities
posted on 01 Jul 2009This movie, though it looks stupid, is really... well... pretty much that, stupid. What do you expect from the same guy who brought you "Dude, where's my car?". But it's better, absolutely hilarious, especially for those who have seen the majority of the recent Teeny-Bopper, High School movies such as "Can't Hardly Wait", "Van Wilder", "American Pies" and as mentioned above "Dude, where's my car?". You'll see actors from other movies that you know and love (the main guy, Ethan Embry, from Can't hardly Wait, Finch from the American Pies, Ryan Reynolds who is Van Wilder, also worth mentioning Anthony Anderson). The two main stars themselves, are familiar to us (Kal Penn: American Desi, Van Wilder and John Cho: Better Luck Tomorrow - a great movie and from the American Pies as the one who sees Stiffler's Mom's picture and calls her a MILF) The movie is great, it was so funny and I was laughing so hard. So go see it for a good laugh and take it at face value. But there is more underlying to this flick than may seem. It make some very interesting points, such as one of Kumar's shirts says 'I love Bush... the pussy not the President', but it should be noted that they are both pussies.;) Also, at one point when a small town ALL-WHITE police department are beating on an African-America, Harold and Kumar ask what should they do? Another African-America, sitting next to them says "Run while you can" or "Get out of here while you can" while saying this to our 2 stars there is a nice picture of President Bush on the wall behind them, in between them in the camera shot, as if the African-American character (a minority) was telling the newer Minorities (East Indians, Asians) to run away from an America that is run and controlled by Bush. This movie is a lot more than just Harold and Kumar going to a Burger joint. It deals with a Korean (though society and perhaps even the movie generalizes Asians all as one kind or type) and an East Indian as they deal with the nature of being possibly born, but for sure raised in a WHITE America. It deals with many racial issues of minorities in a very jokingly and unrealistic manner, but is it really that far from the truth??? Moral of the story Get stoned or 'High' on what it is you get high on (drugs, alcohol, sports, art, music), and follow your dreams (eating at White Castle or becoming the next President of the United States), that's what this movie is really about.
A whole full throttle journey just to eat some White Castle.
posted on 29 Jun 2009This is a movie about two college students that crave White Castle. They spend the whole night looking for White Castle when they have very important things to do the next morning.This plot is very simple but it is still a funny comedy to watch an Asian and Indian go through the whole movie just to get to White Castle. They run into people they know, they go to parties, go to jail,they ride on a cheetah's back they almost die, they hand glide in the air and constantly get off track their whole journey just to go to White Castle. When they finally get there the next morning they eat fifty bucks worth food. They are finally satisfied and it was their best meal of their lives.
Smart & funny way of exploiting stereotyping jokes
posted on 11 Jun 2009I have to admit the movie is a bit heavy on stereotyping, however, it's not like it's not telling the truth in those stereotype, anyone who is open minded enough to see the truth will admit that stereotype doesn't just come out of thin air. Of course there are many different type of stereotyping, the good & the bad, or old ie behind the time (so not cool nor hip) and the new ie modern era (some funny sh1t). Anyway, this movie is the later category, and if your can't put it in your mind that stereotype can be funny, try to get past that, relax and just enjoy this film as a well executed, well acted comedic movie. The most hilarious movie this year to-date.
If you don't mind drug humor, one of the funniest movies ever.
posted on 11 Jun 2009Pros: This movie is laugh out loud funny. It's a nice mixture of the shock/fart joke humor and subtle quotable line humor. It's still somewhat of an immature comedy, but it's good enough that I think it would appeal to a wide array of audiences.Cons: If you're a parent, or strongly anti-drugs, you may be discouraged by the passive encouragement to smoke pot. Obviously, you'd expect that going into the movie if you've read anything about it, but it still may turn off some audiences.Conclusion: If you're looking for a funny movie and don't mind the drug use, then I think you'll probably love this one. I can't think of a movie that made me laugh out loud as much as this one has in the past 2 years.
Well, a lot of fun, but not for 7 or 8 year old children
posted on 03 Jun 2009I liked it a lot, It has some laugh out out gags, and moves exceptionally well. So many reviews I have read, said that it was great, that sooner or later I had to see it.. .A friend and I watched it on DVD last Saturday, and I must admit that it is indeed funny..very funny in spots. But the language and some of the stuff is probably inappropriate for 7 or 8 year old children..Not that this age group doesn't hear those words, or see some things..but personally, maybe at ll or 12, it would be more appropriate..This is a most personal viewpoint, but two others I know believe the same thing. .Anyway, have fun. There is one animal gag, that I have never seen before, and it really worked great for me..Comedy is so special, what works for you, might not be funny at all to me.. So look at that over all rating of thousands of people who have written reviews, and give it a chance..If you have never had a craving for White Castle's, well, you will after this film..You will have to know what they are chasing after. Buy the way, from my point of view,(yes, I have eaten them,) they are an acquired taste.. .
A weak excuse for a comedy.
posted on 24 May 2009"Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" is difficult to watch to the very end. However difficult it was, I was able to do so without turning off my DVD player. John Cho plays Harold Lee, the Asian employee of middle America. Kal Penn plays Kumar Patel, the premed student who has no interest in becoming a doctor. The concept is cute, but the movie is a conglomeration of cheap and adolescent humor. There is much slapstick to keep the teens entertained. However, the very low humor is raw enough to encourage the youngsters to avoid this one. Few films get such low scores, but this one does deserve it's low rating. There should not be a waiting list of folks picking this movie as their very own DVD. Perhaps the music is entertaining enough to hold one's attention to the very end. The end had only one redeeming quality: It was over.
Antics in New Jersey
posted on 22 May 2009Being originally from New Jersey, I had concerns after seeing Dan Akroyd rip NJ a new one in his movie debacle, Nothing But Trouble. Harold & Kumar... had some fun with NJ's reputation and factual headlines, but it did not seem mean-spirited to me. There were weird characters, crooked cops and middle fingers flying out of car windows, but nice parts of NJ were also shown.I was pleasantly surprised that White Castle was voluntarily included in this movie. One that clearly depicts a classic motive for going to WC: marijuana-induced munchies. Of course, the nearest WCs are in Newark, but they couldn't get in nearly as much fun trouble on such a short trip.Anyway, there's not much else to say about this movie. This is no Mel Brooks classic, but it was fun and I also got a taste of my old home, oozing warts and all.
A mostly crude but often funny account of a night out for food.
posted on 08 May 2009I wouldn't recommend this broad comedy to anyone who is offended by crude humor, including sights and sounds of bodily waste functions and frank discussions of sex organs and sex acts. If you can get past that, then it is an often very funny escapade of roommates Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) deciding they had to find a White Castle burger joint before the night was over. There is a little gratuitous nudity, but not much. Cho and Penn are quite good in this.Why did Harold and Kumar pick White Castle? They wanted to find something to eat, something they had not had in a while, and a TV commercial came on for White Castle, and they were hooked! From the scriptwriter's point of view, I suspect he wanted to pick an eating establishment that was definitely NOT gourmet. White Castle burgers are actually very tasty, but probably not very healthy, and have an almost cult following. I have them every time I visit Chicago.A side story is Kumar applying for medical school, at his doctor father's strong urging. Fred Willard has a great small part as Dr. Willoughby who is interviewing Kumar for possible admission to his school.Another side story is Harold's attraction to very pretty Maria (Paula Garces) who has an apartment down the hall. The highlight of some of his days is when he manages to spend 10 seconds with her as they ride the elevator together, but he doesn't even have the courage to talk to her.Neil Patrick Harris, of 'Doogie Howser' fame, has a guest role that I found somewhat funny, but overall he seemed out of place. I could not see him as a stoned, horny guy who happens to be by the side of the road needing a ride.SPOILERS FOLLOW. In short, Harold and Kumar end up driving all over New Jersey looking for a White Castle, with a number of narrow escapes from big trouble. They even visit Princeton. They finally find one as morning breaks, have their 40 burgers each, and are satisfied. In one overnight escapade, Kumar is mistaken for a doctor, he does an emergency procedure to save someone, and that motivates him to take his medical studies seriously. Harold gets courage, stands up to his weaselly workmates, and finally speaks to Maria in the elevator, even kissing her. As the movie ends, Maria is headed to Amsterdam for 10 days, and tells Harold she will be back. But Kumar convinces Harold that Amsterdam just might be a good place to visit.
The Ultimate Late Night Boredom-Buster
posted on 06 May 2009Dude Where's My Car. American Pie. Scary Movie. Now there's a new movie to add to that list of irreverent teenage raunch-fests...Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle. Although lacking in plot, true character development, and any technical achievements, Harold and Kumar still manages to entertain, confuse, and implant itself into the minds of stoners and non-stoners alike.The story revolves around two best friends: the near-OCD Harold and the brilliant slacker Kumar. The rest of the plot is pretty much given away in the title. How, you're asking, do they manage to stretch that title into an hour and a half? Well, that's easy. Throw in a beautiful girl, a hilarious dream sequence, a hillbilly with a hot wife, a handful of random cameos (Jamie Kennedy? That Asian guy from Mad TV? Doogie?! What?!), and a cheetah, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for pointless laughs.The movie itself is great fun, but as was mentioned early, it's nothing really cinematically spectacular. The use of a cheap green screen effect gets old fast and the "heartwarming" moments are unnecessary. But the insanity of the whole movie makes you forgive and forget the minor downsides...at least for the most part.If you're in the mood for something quick and light-hearted, Harold and Kumar is for you. If you're in the mood for something smart and artsy, you'll have to wait until they release Harold and Kumar Go To The Louvre.
Easily the funniest movie I have ever seen!
posted on 30 Aug 20099% of the movie was hilarious. We were laughing all the way through and I cried one point I laughed so hard. Movie was incredible and not just because it's all based in New Jersey, although that helps. The movie starts out near New Brunswick.. and I live close to there.Normally I'm a wait-until-it-comes-out-on-DVD -not-contribute-to-a-movies-opening-success type of guy, but this is one movie worth seeing. I'm actually going to see it again in a few days.I said the movie was 99% hilarious because there was one kind of lull in the movie, but it picked right back up and was funny again in a big way.Don't see The Village it's horrible.