Satire lurks beneath munchies

Fri., July 30, 2004

Lisa Rose Newhouse

Along with the usual fast, cheap and out-of-control teen comedy antics, the New Jersey-set “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” serves up a side of social satire, following lead characters of Korean and South Asian descent who are confronted with various forms of prejudice during their adventure.

It’s nice to see a multiplex comedy with something more than sex and intoxicants on its mind.

The main characters are roommates whose favorite activities are surfing channels and puffing marijuana. A meek investment banker, Harold (John Cho) is exploited by his colleagues. Kumar (Kal Penn), meanwhile, is an uber-slacker who deliberately bungles his med-school interviews.

The friends set off on their pilgrimage after a White Castle commercial rouses their taste buds.

“No matter what happens, we are not ending this night without White Castle in our stomachs,” Kumar declares.

During their drive, parties are crashed, cars are stolen, sexual propositions are made, impromptu surgery is performed, a car interior is molested by Neil Patrick Harris (playing himself) and many illicit substances are consumed. What makes the story work is the shrewd comic timing and easy rapport of the lead actors.

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