Movie #255 - Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
2008 - Rated R - 1 hr 47 min
Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Rob Corddry, Jack Conley, Roger Bart, Eric Winter, Missi Pyle, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Ed Helms

I'm not sure that we needed this movie, but it's definitely on par with the first.  Some of the jokes are referenced again, but mostly we get all brand new ones.  Including a stoner Prez.

NPH is back and redefining his name... This time, Kumar's chasing a girl, Harold wants to kill him, and Rob Corddry is going to send them back to Guantanamo Bay forever.  At points, this movie actually makes fun of itself - something I always enjoy in an over-the-top comedy.  It makes it somehow okay that you're laughing at the bad jokes.

All in all, another worthy effort.  But nothing beats a White Castle burger, so I prefer the original.

Movie #252 - The Hangover

The Hangover
2009 - Rated R - 1 hr 40 min
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, Ken Jeong, Rachael Harris, Mike Tyson, Mike Epps, Sasha Barrese, Rob Riggle

This movie actually DID live up to all the hype.  I was skeptical at first, since I was the last person on earth to see this movie and everyone was talking about how much I would love it.  Usually, those kinds of scenarios end in disappointment.

However, there's just something about this movie--and I don't know what it is--that it absolutely hysterical.  It's not that unique of a premise, the cast of characters is pretty cookie-cutter, and the funniest scenes are the easiest laughs... but man, is it funny.  Does it get any better than naked Ken Jeong leaping out of the trunk? I don't think so.

The quotes abound, the actors make the characters their own, and disaster is just barely thwarted.  A solid comedy that just might deserve that sequel their making.  I hope they don't screw it up.  Something tells me they won't.

Movie #241 - The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
2009 - Rated R - 1 hr 29 min
Director: Neal Brennan
Starring: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, David Koechner, James Brolin, Kathryn Hahn, Ed Helms, Jordana Spiro, Ken Jeong, Tony Hale, Alan Thicke, Rob Riggle, Wendie Malick

Is this the funniest movie ever made? Nah.  Is it pretty funny in its own dysfunctional way? Absolutely.  Jeremy Piven plays "cocky bastard" like no other and Kathryn Hahn is totally priceless, basically in everything she does.  Then there's Ving Rhames... And Ed Helms's boy band.

It's nice to see these comedic side characters take on bigger roles and manage them well.  Even if they're characters aren't very likable as people.  They're brash and pushy and immoral lots of times, but damn can they sell cars!

Wait for the Will Ferrell cameo, which is one of the best scenes in this entire movie.