How High 2

How High 2, a feature film from Universal 1440 Entertainment, was released in 2019 as a sequel to the 2001 cult classic How High. Starring Lil Yachty and D.C. Young Fly, with a special appearance by Mike Epps, the movie incorporates the unique blend of humor and social commentary emblematic of the stoner comedy genre.

The storyline follows the main characters, Roger, played by D.C. Young Fly, and Calvin, played by Lil Yachty, as they try to navigate the complex world of adulthood in Atlanta. The movie shows us a duo that hopes to transcend their condition through the zeal and the charm of youthful friendship.

The film kicks off with the discovery of a rare marijuana strain named "The Bible" that was believed to be extinct, discovered inexplicably on Christmas Eve in a community garden known as "V. Nasty". Traces of this potent strain are stolen, and our protagonists are thrown into a cat-and-mouse chase with the hidden underworld of Atlanta's cannabis scene. The theft of this plant sets the central conflict of the narrative in motion, as Roger and Calvin, at the behest of their eccentric friend and weed-enthusiast, embark on a perilously comedic journey to recover their coveted "greenery".

As they venture into a world hidden beneath the conflict-free surface of their own community, the duo encounters a number of colorful, wacky, and oftentimes incredibly quirky characters. This includes a millionaire hemp entrepreneur, an enthusiastic spiritual advisor who administers to the needs of the urban community, and a paranoid conspiracy theorist, who are all brilliantly interspersed with the central narrative.

Co-starring with Lil Yachty and D.C. Young Fly is the multifaceted comedian-actor Mike Epps, who adds his signature comedic stylings to the plot. He transcends the typical mentor archetype and provides an insightful, though hilarious, perspective on their chaotic escapade. His character trivia makes notable and witty references to the realities of success, failure, and the fickle nature of fortune and fame, tying seamlessly into the narrative.

How High 2 is not merely a string of comedic sequences. Its charm lies in its narrative potential to address serious societal issues such as the legalization of marijuana, racial and economic inequalities, and the pitfalls of the entrepreneurial dream in a capitalist economy, all under the guise of humor. From the illumined madness of Atlanta’s night to the radiant chaos of its day, the movie treads the delicate balance between escapism and the harsh truth of the world outside.

Stoner comedies have long been censured for promoting drug culture, and How High 2 does contain elements of that, just as any movie in this genre would. However, one must also recognize that it utilizes this paradigm as a backdrop, with it not only being a part of the motif but also a vehicle of the plot. It might just be a comedic adventure of two underdogs, but it allows for a nuanced portrayal of friendship, ambition, and resilience.

What stands out in How High 2 as a defining feature is its unapologetic approach to humor and storytelling. The movie doesn’t pretend to be a high-brow artistic creation. Instead, it revels in its nature - cheeky, audacious, and explicitly funny. It is deeply grounded in modern culture, unabashed about its use of slang, and brazenly explorative of the underbelly of urban life.

The movie's soundtrack, lodged with hip-hop and rap music, not only adds to narrative continuity but also serves as a character in itself. Featuring the likes of 24hrs, Mary Gold, and Lil Baby, among others, it carves out the spirit of today's Atlanta. Cohesively, the music makes the character’s journey more relatable and drives forward the narrative action of the movie.

In conclusion, How High 2 serves both as a tribute to the original and a progressive new voice in the stoner comedy idiom. The humor is boisterous and a bit outrageous, cast against the backdrop of millennial dreams, fear, and ambition. Still, it allows its audience to enjoy the absurdity of the situation, engage with the neatly drawn characters, and think deeply about the changing landscape of American society. It further showcases Lil Yachty and D.C. Young Fly’s abilities as actors. The narrative, the performances, and the superb script all contribute to making this much-anticipated sequel an entertaining watch.