Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -4

John Cho, Kal Penn. Comedy. Written & directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg and maybe Jack Daniels.

FILM SYNOPSIS: The same morning that Harold and Kumar eat at White Castle, Harold learns that Maria, the girl he lusts after, has set off for Amsterdam. The pair decide to pursue her so Harold can proclaim his love. However, an overzealous airline passenger mistakes Kumar for a terrorist, and the plane is diverted as the duo get stuck in a case of mistaken identity.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Im trying to find something new to say about this recent adolescent comedy. Lets see, Ive already used the following words and phrases to describe todays direction in film comedy: crude, vulgar, exploitive, cheap, easy, irreverent, offensive, profane, stupid, inane and frat-mindedly base. Now, I could open my Rogets Thesaurus, but I feel nearly as lazy as the filmmakers, so lets just use the same words to describe this attempt at cashing in on slacker/stoner humor.

Though I hadnt seen the first film, I was aware that it was about stoners. And knowing the sensibilities of todays comic filmmakers, I knew this sequel wouldnt be filled with the wit and wisdom of Noel Coward. But I had noooooo idea what I was getting myself into.

Its not that there arent some laughs, or that the two stars dont have comic chops. Its just that since the main moments that brought laughter from the audience werent generated from scatological and anatomical activities, why base the entire film around them? Those visuals and vocals seemed to just bring moans or startled reactions (I cant believe I just saw that). Again, I ask, why rely so heavily upon gross-out gags? Because there is an audience for such amusement. While most stoner movies dont do all that well at the box office, they often generate big revenue once put on DVD. Could this possibly be because real-life stoners enjoy these movies best when they themselves are home alone, partaking of forbidden substances? Nah, no one would do that. That would be illegal.

Please read the attached reasons for the rating. Though I normally attempt to be discreet with my content descriptions, Ill be rather graphic here in order to let you understand just how far these filmmakers are willing to push the envelope of bad taste.

Though my description of the films nudity may be enticing to adolescents (of all ages) I would hope they would keep this in mind. The media is bombarding you with sexual images. Indeed, its difficult to avoid all the sexual imagery in our culture. Arent you feeling manipulated by moviemakers? You should be. These films aim at our baser instincts. They are ultimately unfulfilling and merely aid in setting back social behavior. Keep in mind, whenever we try to avoid temptations and self-gratification at the expense of others, it honors God, the opposite sex and ultimately that one special person destined for your life. I know, that sounds corny. Whats right often does.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Warner Bros