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| Tyler Wilson |
What would NPH do?
We all need motivation in the workplace. When I'm depressed, I always turn to the inspiring image of Neil Patrick Harris riding a unicorn.
Many of you know NPH as the child star of the television series, "Doogie Howser, M.D." Rather than collapse into a has-been, attention-whore on VH1, Harris made a comeback with one of the greatest cameo appearances in film history.
The film: The 2004 stoner comedy "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle." The role: A drugged-out, sex-obsessed version of himself.
We're not talking a Daniel Day-Lewis caliber performance here, but anybody who saw "Harold and Kumar" would tell you NPH hit a comedic grand slam.
NPH is now the lifeline of the underrated CBS sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother." As Barney Stinson, he adds an endearing hint of desperation to his "Harold and Kumar" persona.
This weekend, NPH again appears as "himself" in the sequel, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." One of the film's posters features the actor riding a unicorn below the tagline, "What would NPH do?" Take his advice at www.whatwouldnphdo.com.
Whether you understand the phenomenon of NPH or not, here's hoping the extra attention will solidify the renewal of "How I Met Your Mother" next season. With the sitcom format nearly extinct from network TV, the series deserves a fourth season.
Thankfully, NPH won't have to keep carrying the show by himself. A guest appearance by a certain Britney Spears boosted the show to its highest ratings ever. On top of that, series co-star Jason Segel anchored last weekend's solid box office performer, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (see review inside).
Also in theaters this weekend is the comedy, "Baby Mama," starring "30 Rock" creator and star Tina Fey. Though she lacks an NPH-style catchphrase, the comedian deserves just as much of the spotlight.
I assume most people are familiar with the awards stacked on the NBC series. Highlighted by masterful supporting work from Alec Baldwin, few comedies match even the most mediocre episodes of "30 Rock." Credit Fey, a former "Saturday Night Live" head writer, as the show's creative force.
A solid box office for "Baby Mama" might also mean a ratings hike for "30 Rock." Even with all the accolades, the show only manages about six million viewers per week. That number will go down as it competes against "Grey's Anatomy" for the duration of the season.
In a world where "Meet the Spartans" tops the box office and "According to Jim" survives for more than seven seasons, we need funny people like Tina Fey and Neil Patrick Harris. If NPH were here, he'd be riding a mythical creature and telling you the same thing. Follow your heart and listen to the legend.
Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.
Gelabale wrote on Apr 24, 2008 5:06 PM: