In Beverly Hills, interviewing the cast, writers and director of a soon-to-be-released Christmas movie, it might not seem strange to hear bandied around words such as “heart” and “humanity.” That’s what the still-strong tradition of the American holiday film is all about, isn’t it? Except that the talent — mostly young men — haven’t made a traditional Christmas film. They’ve made “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.”
It’s the third entry in a franchise about two stoners whose weed habit constantly leads them into unfortunate circumstances — circumstances, though, in which they always end up feeling thankful for the special friendship they share.
“We hope the third time is the theatrical charm,” says John Cho, with some seriousness. The first film performed pretty badly at the box office — but became a cult hit on DVD. The second film did better, but the franchise still remained a mostly at-home phenomenon. It might sound cynical, he agrees, but making the third film in 3D ensured that fans would have to get off their couches to get the full experience.
Cho plays Korean-American investment banker Harold, while Kal Penn is Indian-American failed wannabe doctor Kumar. They signed on to another stoner film, though their stars have risen thanks to the first, mostly because they like working together.
“I literally could do 12 movies if the audience wanted them in the course of our 150 years on the planet,” Penn says. He splits his time now between Hollywood and the city that’s often called Hollywood for ugly people — Washington, D.C. He serves in the Obama administration, when he’s not making movies, as a liaison to the Asian-American community.
“I have the blessing of being able to do two things that I love. For me, they’re completely separate,” he explains. “I love being creative, that’s what I love about L.A. I have a public service side of me that I love having had the chance to exercise in D.C. There are no similarities, except that they’re both one-industry towns.”
He campaigned for candidate Obama in the last election — visiting 26 states in two years — and confirms he’ll do the same for the president’s re-election bid.
“I love that because you get you travel to all these communities and talk to folks. I’m an independent politically, so I like talking to Democrats and Republicans.”
Penn looks a little the policy wonk, wearing a plaid tie, blue cardigan and dark jeans. Cho, on the other hand, looks very Hollywood, with a slim, zipped, black leather jacket and black pants. Cho can’t resist touching Penn’s well-worn sweater, as a bit of a joke.
Cho’s the one who uses the word “warmth” to describe the feeling of the film. Neil Patrick Harris, who plays a hilarious warped version of himself in all three movies, goes further.
Talking of the writers, he says, “They are super blue and lowbrow and yet nice people and can figure how to make it as hardcore as it is and still find some humanity and art and weirdly political point of view,” he says with enthusiasm.
