THE GRUDGE Review

Andrea Riseborough is the kind of actor who, even in a movie like 2020's re-make/sequel(?) of The Grudge, goes to the extent of having her character sport certain tattoos that are never brought up, but that she probably knows the backstories of which undoubtedly inform some of the character choices she makes even if those tattoos only make it into a handful of shots in the final film. This is kind of the perfect distillation for the ratio of talent involved versus the quality of the final product for this new take on Takashi Shimizu's Ju-On property. Meaning, there is a depth to the writing, directing and acting here (or at least a certain level of credibility) that is lost in the final edit; glimpses of what could have been only showing up in a handful of moments in the final cut. If you've seen writer/director Nicolas Pesce's 2016 feature debut, The Eyes of My Mother then you know the filmmaker is adept at tackling the unsettling and framing it within such an atmosphere that it truly becomes one of those situations where you want desperately to look away, but can't help but to continue to watch for fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, with his latest all one really wants to do is look away and not for fear of missing out on what happens to the film's characters, but because we largely don't care about what's happening to them in the first place. As stated, there are hints at reasons as to why we might be inclined to care about any one of the recognizable faces on screen and the peril they're facing whether it be John Cho and Betty Gilpin's plight as new parents, Frankie Faison and Lin Shaye grappling with mortality or Riseborough and Demián Bichir coming face to face with their fears, but the screenplay spreads these scenarios and characters so thin with such disparate connections to one another that it's difficult to become invested in any of them and easier to simply give up on all of them. Besides the fact no one was necessarily asking for another installment from this franchise there seems to be no particular motivation even from Pesce's script to try and tap into the core idea of what the curse at the heart of The Grudge is really about; a curse that is born when someone dies in the grip of extreme rage. Shimizu's original short films, like this new version, operated as seemingly unconnected vignettes that are pulled together by police investigating the various, strange events, but whatever it was that made those original films launch the franchise The Grudge has become today has been lost in translation in this latest iteration.

SEARCHING Review

Be warned: the opening moments of co-writer and director Aneesh Chaganty's Searching is comparable to the opening of Disney and Pixar's UP and if you haven't seen UP you should probably do that, but if you have you'll understand the monumental comparison this is and what it undoubtedly implies in terms of the powerful nature this movie sets itself up to deliver right out of the gate. In this opening montage Chaganty along with co-writer Sev Ohanian as well as their editors, Nick Johnson and Will Merrick, swiftly establish who our characters are and where they've come from so that the viewer is keenly aware of the point each character is at in their lives as well as providing an equal balance of clues and intrigue as to what headspace these characters might be wading through as the film then delves into the current predicament the movie will chronicle. Searching is ultimately about relationships, the toll that grief, sorrow, and shame can take on certain dynamics as well as how different people deal with and react to such emotions. Moreover, Searching filters this exploration of dealing in such emotions through the guise of the ever-evolving technology of our modern world; commenting on the highs and lows of documenting our every move. Naturally, it's nice to be able to capture so much of our everyday lives and share achievements and moments with those we both count as friends and those we'd just kind of like to show-off in front of, but there's also that drawback of constantly having something to post or log in the simple fact that some memories are best forgotten while others we may eventually prefer to not be reminded of. Of course, Facebook hardly lets one forget anything these days and thus is the genius of Chaganty's film as it places the audience firmly within the perspective of John Cho's David Kim not through who he is or the circumstances of his life necessarily, but through how he conducts himself online and how his documentation of life events is likely akin to any given audience members. In the aforementioned opening montage, we see David go through the joys of fatherhood, the love of a genuine marriage, and the heartbreak of a tragic loss all through the (Microsoft) window(s) frame of social media, Skype, and of other means of chronicling our day to day integrate themselves as such painting a more and more fully realized picture by the time we're up to present day. This technique is efficient in establishing a set of characters and circumstances for which we become invested, that we care about, that we're curious about, and ultimately somewhat concerned about even before the main narrative kicks in all due solely to this opening montage that hooks us line and sinker. In short, it's a prime example of expert craftsmanship.

STAR TREK BEYOND Review

Having never been a Star Trek fan it is difficult to gauge where the new series of films lands when it comes to understanding how much it draws on what made the original series and other features so endearing and loved by so many. With Star Trek Beyond, the third film in the re-booted series and the first not directed by J.J. Abrams, it finally feels like (to an outsider, at least) that this new set of films has found its footing. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous two Abrams films they have very much been in the vein of attempting to re-establish the brand and telling the origin of what became the legendary crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the Gene Roddenberry series that ran for eighty episodes beginning in 1966. This was all necessary, of course, though Into Darkness certainly could have come more into its own rather than once again feeling like an assembling of parts, but as an introduction to this world and these characters the 2009 version is almost flawless save for some third act story elements that cause the film to trip at the finish line. In saying that this third film has found its footing is to say that it finally feels these characters know who they are and are more assured in their roles (both in the actors playing them and the characters themselves). Much of this has come from being almost three years into a five year mission thus giving us our first glimpse of this newly assembled band of actors in these iconic roles in the midst of actually exploring uncharted areas of the galaxy. It seems, at least from my non-seasoned perspective, that Star Trek Beyond is the film Star Trek fans have likely been waiting on since the credits rolled on that 2009 re-introduction. Written by Simon Pegg and his writing partner Doug Jung (who has at the same time both a minor and major role in the film) and directed by Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift all the way through Fast & Furious 6) Star Trek Beyond is full throttle entertainment from beginning to end, packing in a contained and straightforward action narrative into an evenly paced two hours with interesting character dynamics abounding and even some slight philosophical meanderings to wonder about in the process. In essence, Star Trek Beyond does an exemplary job of compiling every facet a movie such as this should contain and executes them without question or hesitation-the only downfall to this being there isn't anything necessarily unexpected about what we receive. It's hard to fault a film for accomplishing the job it sets out to do and Beyond fills its sci-fi action/adventure quota with ease, but this lack of anything fresh or unique to make it stand apart or on its own is also what keeps it from being anything more than your solid summer blockbuster.

Full Trailer for STAR TREK BEYOND

Apparently there were a few folks who weren't too pleased with the first glimpse of the latest Star Trek film we received back in December. I didn't realize I guess as I thought it was a fine enough teaser to let audiences know the movie was coming as well as get it in front of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That's all it really was anyway, being it was still eight months out from release at that point-a short teaser cobbling together what completed footage they had to notify the masses that would be seeing Star Wars that a new Star Trek movie on the horizon. Five months later though, and we've hardly heard or seen anything else about this third film in the new trilogy. That changes today as last night Paramount held an event in Los Angeles where it not only premiered a new trailer but announced that the world premiere of the film will take place at San Diego Comic-Con on July 20th with the world’s first outdoor IMAX screening complete with a live orchestra. All of that sounds good and exciting (though I'm interested if critics will have a chance to screen the film more than two days prior to the films wide release), but I was generally excited for the film anyway given Simon Pegg co-wrote the script with Doug Jung and Fast & Furious helmer Justin Lin was taking over for J.J. Abrams. On top of all that, this second full-length trailer makes the film out to be nothing short of terrific. This is a full-fledged glimpse of what the story concerning Chris Pine's Captain Kirk and his crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise entails this time around. I'm sure we'll here complaints about how Lin and his team hid minority actors like Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella under pounds of make-up, but if the characters work (and Elba certainly seems to be intimidating here) I'm not sure that should matter. Regardless, I'm really excited for the movie and can't wait to see it. Star Trek Beyond also stars Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, and opens on July 22nd, 2016.

First Trailer for STAR TREK BEYOND

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer barrage wouldn't be complete without a look at the latest from J.J. Abrams previous franchise that also started with Star. And so naturally, we now have a quick minute and a half sizzle reel of footage from the latest adventure of the Enterprise crew this time around directed by Justin Lin (Fast & Furious 3-6). Co-written by Simon Pegg (who looks to have given himself a more substantial part) the film is said to follow Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) and the rest of the crew after they get stranded on a strange alien planet, but little more is known of the actual plot. What we can glean from this first look though is that director Lin will bring to this franchise what he seemingly excelled at in the Fast films and that is a ton of action. The majority of the audience for Star Trek Into Darkness was split on really enjoying the popcorn entertainment value of it all while the diehard fans essentially hated the re-writing it did of Wrath of Khan. While I'm not a diehard trekkie I was able to more or less enjoy Abrams second installment with zero qualms. With Lin at the helm and Pegg replacing original screenwriter Roberto Orci (who was originally hired to direct), John D. Payne, and Patrick McKay it seems as if Paramount is keen on changing the direction of where this franchise was headed by giving it a full makeover in the creative department. As much as I really loved Abrams 2009 film and enjoyed Into Darkness I'm really optimistic and hopeful for what new energy Lin might bring to this property and the idea that it will be fueled more by the tone set in this trailer. Star Trek Beyond also stars Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Joe Taslim, Sofia Boutella, Idris Elba,and opens on July 22, 2016.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Review

When I walked into 2009's Star Trek I'd never seen anything prior that had anything to do with the beloved television series and the several movies it spawned. I grew up a child of the 90's and was first introduced to Star Wars and simply stuck with it as by that point Trek had grown into the Patrick Stewart/Next Generation series that was by all accounts, beyond me. Still, walking into J.J. Abrams re-booted take on the Trek franchise with no idea what to expect, no pre-conceived notions of the characters, or any idea what the story might revolve around I was pleasantly surprised to learn how accessible it was and how much I enjoyed it. I didn't know if the original series had ever taken the time to tell the origins of the crew that made up the Enterprise but I assumed if they had it was not to the depth this film did. That due to this it would be extremely exciting for fans of the original series to be able to see some of their favorite characters in the younger stages of their lives and for those that were new to the world it would serve as a fitting introduction to everyone. Between that film and the now second installment in Abrams series, Star Trek Into Darkness, I still have yet to dig into anything more that exists in the Star Trek canon. In many ways it simply feels like too daunting a task to try and catch up on nearly fifty years of material while on the other hand I wanted to be able to experience these films made in my day and age as fresh experiences with no notion of what should happen and why, but instead a willingness to see where these new adventures take us and maybe catch up on the backstory sometime down the road where it will be just as fascinating for me to see where these characters eventually go as it was for long time fans to see where they came from. So, this is not a review from a guy who caught all of the references or understood all of the inside jokes that likely took place, but instead I offer the point of view of someone who very much enjoyed the 2009 film and was eagerly awaiting (and hoping) the sequel would follow the series' main proclamation of going boldly where no man has gone before.

IDENTITY THIEF Review

It is a tough world for comedies in this critical world. Whereas it seems to be much harder to pull off genuine laughs than it does a satisfying drama it also makes it that much more obvious when people aren't laughing when the complete intention is in fact that. As you've likely heard concerning the latest Jason Bateman vehicle that also features the first headlining act for Bridesmaids breakout star Melissa McCarthy, Identity Thief does a poor job of eliciting as many laughs from its audience as it has the capability to do. Here's the strange thing: I didn't hate it. Call me delusional, but I laughed a few times and had a rather average movie-going experience that dragged a bit, but wasn't unbearable. Both of these lead actors are more than charming, more than able to spin a joke, and are clearly dedicated to the material and making it work. Bateman has a knack for playing the everyman and an ear for how to deliver certain lines with lovely comedic timing. McCarthy is the opposite kind of comedian; she is loud and physical. Her character here is a perfect vehicle for her to exercise her strengths as a leading funny lady and if it weren't for her the film would have no purpose. Good news for us, McCarthy is present in almost every scene of Identity Thief and despite the strong premise (that likely has much more to offer in the way of comedy) the film quickly dissolves into a standard road trip comedy I ultimately didn't mind going along with because I love the people involved. That is my excuse with most comedies that critics tend to bash (The Watch, The Hangover Part II) and yes, I recognize their shortcomings, but I can't say I despised the film or those films for their attempts. I can appreciate Identity Thief for trying and I liked it well enough not to be angry I spent two hours with the characters.

First 9 Minutes of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

I didn't get the chance to see the 9-minute Star Trek Into Darkness prologue before my first screening of The Hobbit because I chose to see it in 48 frames per second rather than IMAX and in Arkansas you have to make those kind of choices. I was able to follow up with this preview of J.J. Abrams follow-up to his 2009 re-imagining of the Star Trek universe this past week though. Before seeing Abrams original film I was never attracted to the Kirk and Spock property. Never had I laid eyes upon a single episode or one of the prior films. I was always more of a Star Wars fan as a kid and always thought myself too late to catch up by the time I heard Hollywood was going to produce a new vision of it. For that reason I was thankful Abrams made a film that was apparently appeasing to the long time fans while catering to the newly ordained that would no doubt become fans. After experiencing that film it was hard not to become a fan but I have yet to go back and explore any more of the universe. Mainly for the reason that there seems to be so much and also for the fact my first introduction was a fresh take, a starting over if you will and so in many ways it seemed unnecessary to visit a different incarnation of these characters. I may decide at some point, when I have an abundance of time to take a look back on what I'm missing out on, but for the time being I'm sticking with this universe and enjoying it. This limited pool of knowledge does limit me to not picking up on what might have been clues within the first 9 minutes of the new film, but nonetheless I enjoyed the hell out of it and it truly offers everything you could want from 9 minutes of movie.

Seeing as the prologue has now been running for a week the rest of this article will discuss impressions from the footage. If you want to avoid spoilers or have not seen the prologue yet you have officially been warned. If not, go ahead and hit the jump...

NEW Teaser Trailer for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

With the release of the 9-minute prologue in front of The Hobbit this weekend a brand new trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has surfaced and supplies a first look at more of the Enterprise crew in this sequel to the mega-successful 2009 film. Back at the helm is J.J. Abrams and the villain for which he has enlisted this go around has been under much speculation as of late. Well known British actor Benedict Cumberbatch is portraying the baddie who as of now is being called John Harrison though this name apparently has no meaning in the Star Trek universe. I am not a devoted fan of the series and never watched a single episode of the original or its many incarnations. My first exposure to these characters and to this world was in fact Abrams 2009 film and so, despite my history with the world, I am very excited to see the only version I know of this continue. The new trailer carries a more somber tone and features a voice over from Pike (Bruce Greenwood) that seems to be a speech he is giving to Kirk (Chris Pine). From here the trailer unleashes quick cuts of the multitude of action this film will no doubt contain. Is Cumberbatch playing Khan? Have you seen the prologue? What did you think? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. The film also stars Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve, Peter Weller, and Noel Clarke and opens in 3D and IMAX 3D on May 17, 2013.

TOTAL RECALL Review

I never really knew how great of an impression Arnold Schwarzenegger left on Hollywood, but for at least the past four years there has been some type of summer blockbuster that either continued a series he began or a remake hoping to cash in on his originals success and widespread adoration. While Terminator Salvation, Predators, and last years remake of Conan didn't exactly live up to anyone's expectations set by those originals this years Arnie tribute is easily the best of the bunch. While I was aware of the original film I never had any real interest in seeing Total Recall until the other night in preparation for this Colin Farrell re-make. While I found it to be classically cheesy in the best ways the Austrian actor makes things over-the-top cheesy it did indeed ask some interesting questions and as with any film based on a Philip K. Dick short story delve into its interesting premise with entertaining action and clever techniques. While I enjoyed this years update of the film more than the original simply due to the look of the updated special effects and overall quality of acting I can see where loyalists to the original will find faults with what is ultimately an unnecessary remake. Though it may be without cause, it has come to be and so I will take it in with summer action glee. There is plenty here to enjoy, though it does run out of steam about half way through and from there on repeats itself with one too many chase scenes and ten too many Kate Beckinsale comebacks.

Lori (Kate Beckinsale) and Chancellor Cohaagen
(Bryan Cranston) do away with the resistance.

For the first forty-five minutes we are strapped to our seat. Director Len Wiseman (the Underworld films) is a pro at orchestrating intricate action scenes and opens with a bang here before settling into the exposition his newly envisioned world requires. We meet Farrell's Doug Quaid and his beautiful wife Lori (played by Wiseman's real life wife Kate Beckinsale) as they go about their day to day and it becomes ever the more clear that Quaid is not content with his routine life that has him and his factory-like co-workers traveling in a tunnel through the middle of the earth for their cheap labor jobs building robot cops. You see, in this re-make their is no Mars, what we instead are given is an earth that is now uninhabitable because of chemical warfare with the exception of two areas: the British islands and a colony that was formerly Australia. Quaid and many others with his mid to low social status live in the colony but travel to the British islands or federation that is controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (a criminally underused Bryan Cranston) who is seemingly the leader of the free world. This all becomes much more important when harmless ole Quaid goes to a place called Rekall, a company that turns your dreams into real memories. Quaid is unable to avoid the temptation his ambition seeks and so when he visits Rekall one day after work things take a turn for the unexpected and Quaid lives out his "fantasy" of being a secret agent that is now on the run from Cohaagen and the robots he helped build due to the fact he joined the side of an underground resistance that includes the girl from his dreams (Jessica Biel) and is led by a mysterious and also underused Bill Nighy.

Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell) goes under at Rekall.

While the changes from the original are plenty and as a matter of fact, really understandable, there is one thing that changed I wished they would have kept the same. I don't know why it brought me so much annoyance, maybe the fact Beckinsale was given more work because her husband is in charge of the thing, but like Sharon Stone, she should have been killed off early on. Other than this, Mars isn't really necessary and the creativity the early scenes contain with the advancement in technology was impressive. The everyday appliances seemed logical next steps from where we are now and the sprawling city scape of the federation is easily the most impressive thing about the film. I hate to even criticize a movie on its lack of good storytelling methods when the thought and design of the universe these characters exist in has so clearly been labored over and thoughtfully rendered. Still, while the film may look nearly flawless the script is far from it. After that engaging first hour or so we start to see the pattern of Farrell and Biel being chased in a car, or through elevator shafts or on the transport through the core of the earth. These fast paced and overlong sequences wouldn't be so tiresome if they contained any sort of thrill or tension, but they simply exist to put in more action; the story is hardly moved along. Only when our protagonists come to a halt do we get a piece of interesting dialogue or a confrontation that deals with the questions the great set-up poses. The best parts feature Quaid deducing whether what is happening around him is real or fabricated, where he has to decide who is truly his friend and his enemy. These don't happen often enough and the movie doesn't keep the truth as vague as it should, but when they do we catch a glimpse of what could have been had the movie not got caught up in its own action.

Melina (Jessica Biel) has to fend for herself as a part
of Matthias's resistance against the Chancellor.

In many ways the effect that this re-make leaves you with is very much the same as the original. It is too much, it really is. Everything about it, from the bombastic set pieces to the extravagant fight scenes. The difference here is that everything looks much better. But while everything may be more slick in the new Total Recall there is the obvious absence of any kind of soul. While Farrell has always been an intriguing actor and gives the character more depth as to the line between fantasy and reality that he is walking what the actor lacks is that undeniable charisma Schwarzenegger brought to a man that felt betrayed by his own mind. We see in Farrell's performance that he is confused by the whole thing, baffled even, but in the original Quaid is clearly wounded by what his life has become and it is out of desperation that he searches for the truth rather than going along with the events that present themselves as Farrell's version does. It goes back to the idea that while there is better execution, maybe even more creativity in the justification for Quaid's story in the re-make we never feel emotionally connected with any of the characters. I literally can't remember one memorable aspect about Jessica Biel's Melina and she is the main love interest in the film. No matter how well you dress something up, the lasting resonance with an audience will undoubtedly come from the feeling the film left them with. Total Recall leaves you with nothing more than a shrug and maybe the occasional recollection of how cool something looked. It will take much more than that though to make me want to retain any memory of the film.  

         

TOTAL RECALL Review

I never really knew how great of an impression Arnold Schwarzenegger left on Hollywood, but for at least the past four years there has been some type of summer blockbuster that either continued a series he began or a remake hoping to cash in on his originals success and widespread adoration. While Terminator Salvation, Predators, and last years remake of Conan didn't exactly live up to anyone's expectations set by those originals this years Arnie tribute is easily the best of the bunch. While I was aware of the original film I never had any real interest in seeing Total Recall until the other night in preparation for this Colin Farrell re-make. While I found it to be classically cheesy in the best ways the Austrian actor makes things over-the-top cheesy it did indeed ask some interesting questions and as with any film based on a Philip K. Dick short story delve into its interesting premise with entertaining action and clever techniques. While I enjoyed this years update of the film more than the original simply due to the look of the updated special effects and overall quality of acting I can see where loyalists to the original will find faults with what is ultimately an unnecessary remake. Though it may be without cause, it has come to be and so I will take it in with summer action glee. There is plenty here to enjoy, though it does run out of steam about half way through and from there on repeats itself with one too many chase scenes and ten too many Kate Beckinsale comebacks.

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS Review

As odd as it may sound Harold and Kumar are all about responsibility. That is, at least, the picture painted this time around by our favorite Indian and Korean stoners; that life isn't always going to be care free and weed dependant is a shocking revelation to Kal Penn's Kumar while John Cho's Harold has accepted that fact and moved up in the world with a beautiful wife and a "not shitty" place to live. In sitting down to watch this latest installment of the Harold and Kumar saga it did come to mind that it really has been to long since we've seen this pair on screen. The first adventure where "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" was pure stoner comedy genius. It was the kind of film, especially if you're a guy like me who is to scared to touch an illegal drug, that one could live vicariously through while experiencing all the fun of getting high without suffering any of the negative effects. When they followed it up four years later with "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" things became even more ridiculous if not as pleasing. Still, the center at both films was the dynamic best friend relationship these guys had. Harold has always been the guy ready to get ahead, trying so hard for everyone else to see him as a winner, while Kumar could care less what your public perception of him is. This still rings true and these characterizations form the basis for the newest film in which the creators do a smart job of not just giving us another "stoner comedy" but one that satirizes every Christmas movie you've ever seen as well as the current 3D craze while utilizing both of these tools to their advantage.

Harold is trying desperately to win the approval of his
father-in-law Mr. Perez (Danny Trejo).

In the years that have passed since the Guantanamo Bay fiasco Harold and Kumar have grown apart. They've even replaced each other with new, white guy best friends. Harold's in the form of Tom Lennon's Todd, the man with the baby who gets the biggest running gag in the movie after accidentally getting high off weed, coke, and ecstasy. Then there is Adrian (Amir Blumenfeld), Kumar's stoner roommate who drags him to a party where he will get to de-flower a virgin for reasons unbeknown to him other than believing he is that lucky (suffice to say, he is not). How do Harold and Kumar reunite you ask? I was wondering the same thing as it seemed their Chrstmas Eve nights would take on two different tasks, but it is when Kumar receives a package for Harold at their old apartment that he feels the need to deliver it. Harold is having problems on the home front as he and his wife Maria are trying to have a child which can be hard to do when the impending arrival of your in-laws is hanging over your head. To make matters worse, Harold has felt the pressure to live up to Maria's fathers Christmas traditions and to impress him with his Christmas spirit when he arrives. Best part about this whole scenario is that Harold's father-in-law, Mr. Perez, is played by Danny Trejo. Trejo has become a kind of cult movie star and just enthuses a badass-ness into any line he mutters making Maria's Hispanic heritage seem all the more ripe for fodder when Mr. Perez shows up with his entire extended family. Surprise, surprise, Mr. Perez is not impressed by the fake tree Harold has rounded up and quickly replaces it with his own (the real one he has been growing for eight years) which Harold promises to have decorated by the time Maria and her family return from midnight mass.

Harold and Kumar re-unite with ole' NPH for a
Christmas musical number.

It is safe to assume some shenanigans happen before one ornament is placed on the tree and that package Kumar delivers contains a substance that quickly burns down Mr. Perez's pride and joy so our pair is off in hot pursuit to find a replacement. As with both previous installments this is a race to accomplish something before the night is through and that still works, I don't have a problem with using the same formula as long as the journey gives us a different story. This is why it was smart to bring in the Christmas element. While going through the night and encountering the unexpected (or in the audience's case, the expected) there is not only a sense of familiarity with who these guys are now, but there is also the delight of seeing them play up all the Christmas-time cliches. There are plenty of offensive jokes for Christians, Jews, and pretty much every other religion or race. There is the hopped up baby which is more funny than creepy, a sequence of claymation that is pure golden, and of course Santa Claus getting all shot up. They are jokes you really do feel bad about laughing at, ones that you almost can't believe they make, but then again you are laughing so you are kind of glad someone said it.

From Left: Todd (Tom Lennon), Harold (John Cho), Kumar
(Kal Penn), and Adrian (Amir Blumenfeld) begin their
adventure together.

The film moves along at a nice pace, never slowing down too much to make us look at our watches and keeps consistent laughs throughout. Yea, there are a few shout-outs to real life events that fall flat, but the biggest one in the film is the best thing about the movie. Making his return as himself NPH (Neil Patrick Harris) offers a rendition of a Christmas musical that is a home run and follows it up with making fun of himself and how the "gay" thing is just a PR stunt and an opportunity to score him more...

As far as a final verdict goes, I don't believe these guys will ever be able to top the first, simplistic adventure of making it to white castle. This "Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" certainly comes in second though as that story in Guantanamo Bay simply tried to be too much, too outlandish even. In keeping the task simple and the attaining of it harder than it ever should be these guys are back to doing what they do best. There are some great cameos throughout though a storyline featuring Elias Koteas as a mob boss is too underdeveloped to become in some sense the climax of the film. There is a weird Christmas toy named wafflebot that the writers used too much to an advantage and isn't as awesome as Kumar would like to believe. But overall this is a great alternative to all the standard Holiday films we will be bombarded with this season and gives us genuine laughs with good ole' friends in some of the best 3D you will see this year. What more could you want from a stoner comedy?

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS Review

As odd as it may sound Harold and Kumar are all about responsibility. That is, at least, the picture painted this time around by our favorite Indian and Korean stoners; that life isn't always going to be care free and weed dependant is a shocking revelation to Kal Penn's Kumar while John Cho's Harold has accepted that fact and moved up in the world with a beautiful wife and a "not shitty" place to live. In sitting down to watch this latest installment of the Harold and Kumar saga it did come to mind that it really has been to long since we've seen this pair on screen. The first adventure where "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" was pure stoner comedy genius. It was the kind of film, especially if you're a guy like me who is to scared to touch an illegal drug, that one could live vicariously through while experiencing all the fun of getting high without suffering any of the negative effects. When they followed it up four years later with "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" things became even more ridiculous if not as pleasing. Still, the center at both films was the dynamic best friend relationship these guys had. Harold has always been the guy ready to get ahead, trying so hard for everyone else to see him as a winner, while Kumar could care less what your public perception of him is. This still rings true and these characterizations form the basis for the newest film in which the creators do a smart job of not just giving us another "stoner comedy" but one that satirizes every Christmas movie you've ever seen as well as the current 3D craze while utilizing both of these tools to their advantage.