Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Parents say
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
Based on 23 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie wallows in bad taste and is cheerfully vulgar and offensive in every possible category. It includes constant drug use, bad language, extremely explicit toilet humor, and frequent and explicit sexual references and situations. There is comic violence, some graphic, including a scene in surgery with a lot of blood and a disfigured man. While some characters are bigoted and there is a lot of homophobic and racist humor, a strength of the movie is the portrayal of diverse characters.
Community Reviews
Funny parts, but for a mature teen
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Funny and hilarious
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What's the Story?
The title sums up the plot. Harold (John Cho) has a job that requires him to analyze numbers and a crush on a pretty girl in his building. He also has a big assignment that has just been dumped on him by his boss. Kumar (Kal Penn) is a slacker whose only ambition is not to become a doctor like his father and brother. Oh, and to get completely baked, with which Harold concurs. Once happily stoned, the duo realize that there is only one more thing they need to achieve perfect happiness, those scumptious square hamburgers from White Castle. But the nearest White Castle is a long drive away and it will get a lot longer as Harold and Kumar run into all kinds of characters and crazy adventures along the way.
Is It Any Good?
This unpretentiously genial little stoner comedy has a couple of things going for it. The characters and jokes are a bit above average for a genre with admittedly low standards. And its very unambitiousness gives the film moments that almost approach charm. Many of Harold and Kumar's adventures are gross, disgusting, and downright stupid.
However, there are a couple of moments that are funny, sweet, and even smart, and some commentary on race and ethnicity that almost qualifies as subtle. Cho and Penn are engaging, especially when they sheepishly but then with increasing joy sing along with Wilson Phillips, and there are appearances by Fred Willard, Neil Patrick Harris, and Anthony Anderson. I also give it extra credit for avoiding the obvious forms of triumph over the bad guys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Harold and Kumar deal with pressure from family and co-workers. What does it mean to say that "the universe tends to unfold as it should?"
Parents can talk to kids about drug and alcohol use. What are the real life consequences? How is drug use portrayed in the media?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 29, 2004
- On DVD or streaming: January 3, 2005
- Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn, Malin Akerman
- Director: Danny Leiner
- Studio: New Line
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong language, sexual content, drug use and some crude humor
- Last updated: January 1, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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