Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle

There are tons of things to do this weekend, but one thing Gothamist is definitely doing is going to see Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. Not only is it important to support the Asian peeps, it's necessary to see silly movies that make you laugh - this works well with both movies that are intentionally supposed to be funny, like Harold & Kumar, as well as ones that aren't, like Catwoman, which may be the funniest movie Gothamist has seen all year, especially when the cat tries to make out with Halle Berry, and when there are poop and fart jokes involved, Gothamist is there. Director Danny Leiner told the Daily News, "For some reason, White Castle is funny. I grew up in Brooklyn, and we used to make late-night journeys there. It's a mom-and-pop business." Leiner admits to being worried that White Castle wouldn't allow their name or stores to be used in the film, but White Castle was okay with it. Gothamist found the remarks of White Castle's director of marketing, Jamie Richardson, fascinating:

We thought the values were very inclusive in terms of the actors being Korean-American and Indian-American. As for the other...things [drugs, sex, etc.] that take place, well, they're not White Castle values - but from our point of view, we saw it as authentic with the lengths our customers will go to get our burgers.

Now that's modern brand management. The Daily News also has some facts about White Castle, like "The patty has five holes in it to allow the steam to evenly cook the burger and heat the bun." Excellent. Here are White Castle locations in NY.

The NY Times' A.O. Scott wrote about how Harold & Kumar "revitalizes" slacker comedy while also "persuasively, and intelligently, [engaging] the social realities of contemporary multicultural America." Okay. Rotten Tomatoes says it's pretty fresh and Roger Ebert gives it three stars. And Karen at Gothamist Arts & Events saw the film and gives her thoughts (it's fun).

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on July 30, 2004 11:44 AM

Comments [rss]

D.J. Gillis

umm. it was whot in canada "Pri", you know new brunswick, it clearly shows a white castle burger store there, in cherry hill...

Pri

Very good movie...too bad we don't have any white castles up here in Canada. Excellent acting by a great cast. Pointing out major issues in society and having fun at the same time.

LB

btw ... if you remember there was a Shoppers' Drug Mart in the movie ... it was not shot in NJ. It was shot in Canada.

john mieczkowski

My son age 13 was telling me about this really funny movie. His friends at a "catholic school" were talking about it. Last evening I viewed it and was appaled by the content.

For someone to use a hamburger chain to further their personal goals of making money only solidifies my feelings about the raw content of the movie and the white castle chain. It is shameful how $$$ is more important than morals. At one point in my life, I wanted a WC store in my area but now "STAY OUT OF PA. jOHN

Drew Hutchinson

Rented this move last Friday night. It was so funny. They should sell this DVD at White Castle as a dinner and a movie night. So go rent this movie. It deserves a 4 star rating. Is it true that they are making a Harold and Kumar go to amsterdam?

Jon Hurwitz

The writer of this movie shares the same name as me, which has led to some funny emails @ witz.org

Diana

I saw this movie this past weekend -- It was awesome. I didn't go in expecting much but the movie was hilarious! Everyone should go and see it!

Diana

I saw this movie this past weekend -- It was awesome. I didn't go in expecting much but the movie was hilarious! Everyone should go and see it!

Grant Barrett

A few weeks ago they closed the White Castle's on Fifth Avenue a block down from the Empire State building. Makes me sad. It was two blocks from my office and sometimes I would go in there and order ten and stuff them in my face. I love them by the "sack," even though I can't be in polite company for 24 or so hours afterwards.

Tamal

this movie is the best.....i haven't laughed this hard this whole year. By far the funniest movie i've seen this year. they work wonders together.

Anay

I heard the sequel is already in the writing, and Kal Penn will be in the Mask 2, along side Jamie Kennedy! Harold and Kumar was one great movie... especially if you are a brown person.

Nichelle Stephens

I went to see it Saturday afternoon with this guy, http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=mrod, and his friends, and laughed until my cheeks hurt! All movie theatres that are playing this movie should have a White Castle kiosk in the lobby.

Ben

i like the asian angle, AND i like the fact that Kal Penn is actually a vegetarian and ate only veggie burgers, not white castle burgers, during the whole film.

jaimew

it's brilliantly, screamingly funny. like

a cheech & chong movie directed by john hughes

& produced by the people who publish the zine

Weird New Jersey.

recent portrait of Kal Penn at:

http://www.fotolog.net/jaimew/?pid=7988001

Esther

I would go see this movie, but I'm worried that since I'm not Asian, and I've never eaten in a White Castle, I'm not going to understand the jokes.

But, if it does truly "rock like granite," I'm there. Dude.

tommy

not only does this movie break down stereotypes by acknowledging and satirizing them, it's also hella funny! great movie!

winnerofthesat

Mmmm. It's about time white castle gets top billing on a feature film. I'm happy the movie has been getting great reviews!

Fun fact #1: When the White Castle in Parma, Ohio opened 15 years ago the queue to get to the counter wrapped around the entire building for months!

Fun Fact #2: One time while completely obliterated, I challenged 2 of my roommates to eat an entire 30-unit Crave Case. Midway through the challenge we must of passed out because all I remember is waking up the next morning with my face on the carpet and white castle shells all over the floor and ketchup all over my face.

Fun Fact #3: The White Castle Crave Case box makes for a fun briefcase or bookbag.

Sarah

Jen Chung, you rock for promoting H&K! First week box office numbers are crucial for a movie taking chances with two Asian American male leads. A sequel called "Harold & Kumar Go to Amsterdam" also depends on these ticket sales. So, go support this film and watch it this weekend!

And lindsay, that wasn't funny.

lindsay

Yay - "Dude, Where's My Curry?"

JT

It's neat that White Castle can be so open-minded about the use of their name, but WTF is up with their website requiring visitors to have Flash 6 installed to view it? Thanks but no thanks.