Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay Review

Messages: Extensive discussion of racism, stereotypes, and government policy; a characteer literally uses the Bill of Rights as toilet paper. Some government officials are seen as idiotic, petty fascists (with counterpoint from smarter, more reasonable government officials). Harold and Kumar (and their parents) are subjected to racist insults. Harold and Kumar stumble across a Ku Klux Klan meeting. A government agent taunts ethnic and religious groups with stereotypical objects of desire (grape soda for an African-American character; a bag of small change for two Jewish characters) in an effort to get them to talk; this, however, doesn't work and is depicted as the act of an idiot. From one woman's point of view, Kumar is seen in the beard and robes of a stereotypical Islamic fundamentalist (which, by turn, implies that she believes he's a terrorist). An actor depicting the president is seen drinking and doing drugs. A fair amount of toilet humor. On the plus side, the film's cast is diverse, and Harold and Kumar have a strong friendship.

Violence: Plenty, but mostly intended for comic effect. Fatal electrocution by an electric fence; characters are held at gunpoint; fistfights and scuffles (including knees to the groin); one supporting character is shot with a shotgun, twice; a deer is shot, with blood spatter and a knife blow to finish the job; a prostitute is literally branded. Mace is used.

Sex: Topless and bottomless nudity, both rear and front, and both male and female; same-sex make-out sessions for comedic effect; prisoners are forced to provide guards with oral sex; characters visit a brothel; simulated masturbation and ejaculation; references to incest; discussion of sexual techniques and positions; characters kiss; fantasy sequence includes visions of a "threesome" between a man, a woman, and a huge anthropomorphic (and anatomically correct) bag of marijuana.

Language: Constant, inventive vulgar language, including "f--k," "motherf---er," "s--t," "dick," "p---y," "a--holes," "douchebag," "boner," "whore," "c--k," and several racial epithets (both in dialogue and soundtrack lyrics).

Consumerism: A few brands are mentioned -- TiVo, Nokia, Coors Light, Mustang, Zoloft.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Constant references to "getting high" and "smoking weed," with extensive on-screen marijuana use. Also lots of discussion of marijuana paraphernalia and the war on drugs. One character's marijuana is laced with cocaine; a character takes psychedelic mushrooms while driving. Characters also drink beer and hard liquor (one drinks while driving). One character disapproves of another's marijuana use to counter stress, suggesting Zoloft as an alternative.