Totally inappropriate and totally R-rated, Harold and Kumar stars Kal Penn and John Cho sing the holiday classics but with their own Harold & Kumar twists. Don’t watch this Funny or Die video at work…you’ve been warned:
Harold and Kumar’s Yuletide Jamz:
As a child, watching Jaws 3D on the big screen pretty much nixed any idea of becoming a marine biologist. This had nothing to do with Dennis Quaid, Louis Gossett, Jr., or Lea Thompson. And although it was polarized 3D – not anaglyph, which requires red/(green, blue, or cyan) glasses – only certain scenes really utilized the effect (and scarred at least one child into a lifelong fear of the ocean).
Why am I talking about a 28-year-old film’s three-dimensional gimmick? Well, because I was reminded of the experience after watching A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. Of course, this time there is no shark (or Dennis Quaid, Louis Gossett, Jr., or Lea Thompson), however, the use of the technology echoed the same basic principles: Find certain elements to punch up in 3D but don’t worry about creating true depth of field for the entire film.
Early on, director Todd Strauss-Schulson (whose previous credits read like a string of nonsense words and anyone familiar with more than two of his efforts would scare me) focuses on the pot smoke. As Kumar (Kal Penn) gets high with a mall Santa (Patton Oswalt), a combination of actual smoke and digital smoke is wafted in the audience’s general direction. Then, some protesters chuck eggs at Harold (John Cho) and his assistant (Bobby Lee) – this is the best 3D of the film … and lasts 90 seconds. Later on, some careless driving will shoot a few of those water-filled barriers you see marking construction zones into the camera, and every now and then something else technically qualifies as 3D.
Now, I realize anyone familiar with my take on 3D knows I generally see it as a cash grab and only a handful of films in this latest resurgence of the craze merit spending the extra cash. And I’m not saying you should definitely avoid seeing this film with a set of polarized 3D lenses (should there even be 2D versions in theaters). If you’re a big fan of the series and have been eagerly awaiting this installment, you might as well experience it as the filmmakers intended. However, if you’re like me and found Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay a far better value at home than in-theater, you may want to take the same approach here.
Sure, there’s something about seeing a Harold & Kumar film in an audience full of stoners, but that’s only going to happen in the first day or two of wide release. If you’re not going to be a part of that experience, waiting to watch it in the comfort of your own home with whatever refreshments you deem necessary is a better value. This is partially due to certain restrictions in state or Federal law but also because like the second installment in the franchise, the movie is uneven.
Think of this Christmas tale as a roller coaster – with a few good loops and turns but a lot of transitional elements to get you to the next set-up. Sure, bringing in Danny Trejo as Harold’s father-in-law is unmitigated awesomeness. And anyone who isn’t waiting with bated breath for NPH’s appearance can’t possibly be a fan of the series (or life). Also, if I have to explain NPH, just move along, this is not the film you’re looking for.
But aside from those elements, the attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle by bringing Harold & Kumar back together after their friendship drifted apart since we last saw them creates a schism in the type of film being presented. It’s part raunchy, drug-filled comedy and a part feel-good holiday movie. There is a way to do both (Bad Santa) but sadly the overall result with A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is a generally entertaining production that hits as often as it misses. What made the first film so much fun was watching these two stoners run amok while high out of their minds, and far too much of this film sees the pair stone-cold sober. And that’s no way to enjoy the holidays.
GRADE: C+
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas hits theaters on November 4, 2011 and is rated R for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use and some violence.
Robert Englund, who will forever be known by everyone as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street films, has signed up to star in Syfy’s original movie Lake Placid: The Final Chapter. Also attached in starring roles in the horror film are Elisabeth Rohm and Yancy Butler.
According to the Syfy press release, “Englund will play Jim Bickerman, a poacher looking to score a big break on hides and eggs from these rare crocs. In Lake Placid: The Final Chapter, which will co-star Elisabeth Rohm (Law and Order) and Yancy Butler (Kick-Ass), attempts to contain the giant crocs of Black Lake fail, and now it’s up to the new Sheriff (Rohm) to stop the latest rampage.”
Filming is currently underway in Bulgaria with Don Michael Paul at the helm. Lake Placid: The Final Chapter will air in 2012.
Executive producers Rob Tapert and Steven S DeKnight and actors Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Katrina Law (Mira), and Peter Mensah (Oenomaus) discuss the upcoming season of Spartacus: Vengeance in this video from STARZ. The clip also shows new scenes from the 2012 season which look just as action-filled and bloody as the past seasons of the critically acclaimed swords and sandals series.
Spartacus: Vengeance debuts on January 27, 2012 at 10pm on STARZ.
As Bella (Kristen Stewart) prepares for her wedding, her mom and dad present her with a family heirloom to wear in this new clip from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, courtesy of MTV.
Breaking Dawn Part 1 hits theaters on November 18, 2011.
The Plot:
In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child… which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).
According to Cartoon Network, 37 million voted online for their favorite nominees to win the first Hall of Game Awards.
“I’m so excited to be hosting the Hall of Game Awards,” stated O’Neal. “While I can’t guarantee who will win, I can guarantee it will be a blast!”
“Shaquille O’Neal is the ideal sports icon to host the fun at this year’s Hall of Game Awards show,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. “With Shaq’s help, we will build off of last year’s success to deliver an exciting blend of celebrity, sports, music and entertainment.”
More on Shaquille O’Neal [Courtesy of Comedy Central]:
Among his many accolades during his illustrious 19-year playing career, O’Neal was chosen as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players, ranks fifth all-time in NBA scoring history (28,596 points scored), won the Rookie of the Year award (1993), MVP award (2000) and was named All-NBA 14 times. Additionally, his impressive career includes four NBA Championships—three with the LA Lakers (2000—2002), where he was named NBA Finals MVP for all three championships, and one with the Miami Heat (2006). The 15-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Star MVP (2000, 2004, 2009) also won two scoring titles (1995, 2000). He appeared in 1,207 regular season games, averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks in 34.7 minutes per contest throughout his career, which included playing for the Orlando Magic, LA Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
Source: Comedy Central – November 3, 2011
Broken Lizard’s Freeloaders has been picked up for distribution outside of North America by Myriad Pictures. Starring Jane Seymour, Olivia Munn, Dave Foley, and Clifton Collins Jr, Freeloaders is the story of a group of slackers who live in a rock star’s mansion. “They discover their cherished lifestyle is threatened when the musician decides to sell his pad,” according to the Myriad Pictures press release.
Dan Rosen (Dead Man’s Curve) directed from a script he co-wrote with Dave Gibbs. Broken Lizard’s long-time collaborator Richard Perello and Julia Dray produced the film. Adam Duritz from Counting Crows also produced the comedy as well as Thomas Gardner and Gregory P. Cimino II.
“When we read the script for Freeloaders, we jumped at the chance to help shepherd the filmmakers through,” stated Jay Chandrasekhar of Broken Lizard. “Having been to some pretty wild parties in our lives we knew this would make a very funny movie.”
“We have been big fans of the Broken Lizard comedies for some time,” said Myriad CEO Kirk D’Amico. “We are delighted to be working with the producers to bring this comedy with big laughs to the international marketplace.”
Source: Myriad Pictures – November 3, 2011
News for LA music fans: KIIS FM’s VIP Rewards Club members can start buying tickets today at 10am PT for KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball, with any remaining tickets going up for sale to the public on November 5th at 10am. This year’s Jingle Ball is set for December 3, 2011 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, with the line-up to include performances by Lady GaGa, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Sean Paul, Gym Class Heroes, Taio Cruz, Big Time Rush, and Karmin.
Ryan Seacrest’s hosting the event – because he just doesn’t have enough things to keep him busy.
For more info or to learn how to become a KIIS Club VIP, visit www.kiisfm.com keyword “JINGLE BALL.”
Source: KIIS FM – November 4, 2011
Barrymore and Osborne have also chosen to showcase Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Herbert Ross’ The Goodbye Girl (1977), Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Robert Benton’s Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), and Rob Reiner’s This Is Spinal Tap (1984).
The new season will air on Saturday nights beginning March 3, 2012.
Commenting on Barrymore’s co-hosting gig, Osborne said, “We’re thrilled Drew will be joining us throughout 2012 on The Essentials. As an accomplished actress, director, producer and part of a legendary Hollywood dynasty, Drew has terrific insights into the world of film. I think she’s going to surprise people with her passion for great cinema and her abundant knowledge of film history. Drew is also wonderfully endearing and great fun to be around – quite a winning combination. I predict a great year ahead.”
Barrymore added, “I’m a TCM nut. I watch Robert Osborne every day of my life. To get to talk about classic cinema with such a brilliant man, I am simply in heaven. This is just the most wonderful opportunity to discuss my greatest passion, which is movies.”
More on Drew Barrymore [Courtesy of TCM]:
In addition to being an award-winning actress and a huge fan of classic films, Barrymore hails from one of the greatest acting dynasties in Hollywood history. She is the granddaughter of legendary actor John Barrymore and Dolores Costello; the great-granddaughter of silent film actor Maurice Costello and actress Mae Costello; and the great-niece of Oscar®-winning actors Ethel Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore.
Barrymore has been a favorite of film audiences for almost three decades. She is also enjoying success behind the camera as a producer under her own Flower Films banner, which has produced such hits as He’s Just Not That Into You, Never Been Kissed and 50 First Dates, as well as the actioners Charlie’s Angels and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. In addition to producing the Charlie’s Angels features, Barrymore joined Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu to star in both films, which together grossed more than a half a billion dollars worldwide.
Barrymore earned a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as an Emmy® nomination, for her stunning performance opposite Jessica Lange in HBO’s Grey Gardens. She has also earned praise from both critics and audiences for her performances in a wide range of comedies, including He’s Just Not That Into You, Fever Pitch, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Riding in Cars with Boys, The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, Home Fries, Never Been Kissed, Music and Lyrics and Lucky You. She lent her voice to the animated features Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Curious George, as well as the hit TV series Family Guy and the acclaimed holiday special Olive the Other Reindeer, which she also produced.
In 2009, Barrymore made her feature directorial debut with the roller derby film Whip It, with Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig and Juliette Lewis. She will also be back on the big screen in Universal’s Big Miracle in February 2012.
Barrymore made her film debut at the age of 5 in Ken Russell’s sci-fi thriller Altered States, but it was her performance as the precocious Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial that catapulted the young actress to stardom. She went on to star in the thriller Firestarter and the comedy Irreconcilable Differences, for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her many other film credits include Cat’s Eye, Far from Home, Poison Ivy, Bad Girls, Boys on the Side, Mad Love, Batman Forever, Everyone Says I Love You, Ever After, Scream and Everybody’s Fine. She also earned a Golden Globe nomination for the television movie Guncrazy.
Source: TCM – November 3, 2011
The Harry Potter threesome – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint – left their hand and wand prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre while promoting the fifth film of that blockbuster franchise, and now the Twilight threesome of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner have joined them as members of the exclusive club of actors and personalities who’ve left their handprints in front of the historic theater. In the nearly 100 year history of the theater there have only been 250-ish celebs who’ve been selected to become a permanent part of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre courtyard.
Pattinson, Stewart and Taylor took part in the handprint ceremony while in Los Angeles on November 3, 2011 to promote the release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
