Hook or Crook

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Forced to simulate indications of seasoned intelligence and sensitivity during a recent visit to Keith Olberman's "Countdown," Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo star Kal Penn was, by any fair standard, fairly convincing.

comment #1

cinefan says ...

"Forced to simulate indications of seasoned intelligence and sensitivity..."
Did this guy do something bad to you on a personal level to make you dislike him? From watching Olbermann's interview, what I saw was a thoughtful and articulate young man who in no way seems like the character of Kumar.

comment #2

Mgmax says ...

Oh look at the bright dangly worm. There couldn't possibly be a hook in something as pretty as that.

comment #3

actionman says ...

Why haven't you discussed your thoughts on the film, Wells?

comment #4

Jamieson says ...

Your utter disdain for Kal Penn is incredibly baffling. I share cinefan's wonder as to what on Earth he may have done to you. He's not a great actor, not a horrible one either, and isn't really forcing himself into the public eye on any kind of regular basis.

Where does such ire come from? I just don't get it.

comment #5

lbeale says ...

Jeff:
Kal Penn is easily one of the smartest, most articulate and thoughtful actors I've ever interviewed. And you know I've interviewed tons of 'em. Wassup with your distaste for this guy?

comment #6

D.Z. says ...

I'm wondering if Jeff is jealous that Kal appeals to movie-goers the way Obama appeals to voters. Maybe if Josh Lucas was a co-star, it'd be a different story...Or maybe Jeff expected something else from Van Wilder[naked Tara action], and getting stuck with Penn ruined his day. In his defense, though, there's a Something About Mary-like scene with Penn at the beginning of H+K 2 which is totally unnecessary and which could have killed it.

comment #7

Jay T. says ...

Did this guy rape you in a back alley or something? I see know reason for you to have such disdain for him... or somehow know that deep down he's a moron. I don't get it...

comment #8

rr3333 says ...

Fess up Jeff. Is it because he's not as good looking as Adrien Brody?

But semi-seriously .... He's an actor. Its their job to sometimes play dumber than they are or smarter than they are.

Doesn't mean the actual person is a dummy or not.

You and Kal should meet and hug it out already.

comment #9

storymark says ...

I think the post, as it stands, is about the closest we'll ever see to Jeff admitting he was wrong on this point.

comment #10

CinemaPhreek says ...

We can only hope that was failed attempt at being either sarcastic or ironic, because a quick check of Mr Modi's resume would have revealed not only a double major of film and sociology at UCLA, but also his stint this spring at University of Pennsylvania as a guest lecturer for a class entitled "Asian Americans in the Media"

comment #11

Mr. Blood Vessel says ...

I guess I am the only one that gets why Jeff hates him.
He has this "I'm a frat boy who wants to help the blind, but I'll make fun of them also" feel.
I also get the feeling that it maybe just a a facade to move within his age group.

comment #12

Mr. Blood Vessel says ...

na sorry.
that was how I usted to feel.
now,he seems like a nice decent guy who doesn't have any problems.

comment #13

LYT says ...

Those wondering why anyone would be mad at Kal Penn clearly did not have to review Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj.

That, and his supposedly serious performance in The Namesake was ridiculously overrated.

Love the first Harold and Kumar though.

comment #14

Aunt Sassy says ...

Spring is in the air, and a bitter old man's fixation turns to hate.

Seriously, Jeff, just fucking propose to him already. This extended courtship is starting to get really boring. The sooner you resolve your feelings for Kal, the sooner I can pick out what I'm going to wear to the wedding. (I'm praying for a Bollywood musical massacre at the reception!)

comment #15

Adonis says ...

So... the previous post on this last week, where I and a bunch of people asked you to do some journalism, i.e. research, and then offer an apology:

Is this it?

It's a little short, but I will take it Wells. I'll take it.

comment #16

Terry McCarty says ...

actionman wrote:
Why haven't you discussed your thoughts on the film, Wells?

Here are my thoughts :
Other than Rob Corddry's performance as the "bad apple" government official, the film tends to make nice with young males who haven't changed their minds about the war's validity (as they see it) since 2003. Gitmo is portrayed as a place where, if you're imprisoned there, you're probably a terrorist--and the low point of the film is the extended gag where prisoners are expected to fellate a male U.S. soldier.

And there's also the "George W. Bush as friendly pothead" scene towards the end--where Bush is caricaturized as a guy you'd like to have a joint-laced-with-coke with..

comment #17

D.Z. says ...

I think the point of the Gitmo scene was that, regardless of whether or not they're terrorists, they still should be treated like human beings. And Bush is actually portrayed as a hypocritical idiot who only does what other people tell him to do.

comment #18

JHRussell says ...

Jeff loathes Penn, but he watches that douche bag Olberman?

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