4 1/2 Stars:
As I left the theater after seeing “The Hangover” I heard another patron say that he was surprised that “The Hangover” wasn’t just a bad version of “Dude Where’s My Car.” I immediately thought, wasn’t “Dude Where’s My Car” a bad version of “Dude Where’s My Car.” For all of you out there who are worried that “The Hangover” is even remotely like “Dude Where’s My Car,” relax. “The Hangover” is more like “Swingers” or “Old School.”
“The Hangover” kicks off with Phil (Bradley Cooper) on the phone with the bride to be, informing her that they fucked up and will not make it back in time for the wedding. The next scene is Doug (Justin Bartha), the bachelor, getting fitted for his tux with his future brother in law Alan (Zack Galifianakis). Immediately it is established that Alan is a little on the weird side. Alan is a bit of a loner; he wears a jock strap rather than underwear, and carries a satchel/purse.
Doug and Alan hook up with Phil, a grade school teacher who has no problem taking the kids’ field trip money to use in Vegas for a bachelor party, and Stu (Ed Helms), a dentist who is in a terrible relationship with an unfaithful woman who beats him. They head off to Vegas for a night they’ll never forg…. remember. Once in Vegas they head to the roof of the hotel, do a shot of Jager and head out for the night.
The next scene is of a woman walking out of the hotel room, a chicken running around, and a sofa burning. Stu wakes up with a missing tooth, and Alan wakes up with no pants. He goes to urinate and sees a tiger in the bathroom. Phil wakes up with a hospital wristband on. And worst of all, Doug is missing and none of them can remember a thing.
It’s good to see Todd Phillips (“Old School,” “Road Trip”) with another hit on his hands. “The Hangover” is his funniest movie to date and I’m sure it will stand the test of time. I’ve seen this movie twice now and it only got funnier. In fact the more I talk with my friends about the movie, the funnier it gets.
The Good: This movie is hilarious. The cast is amazing. Bradley Cooper could very well be the next Vince Vaughn. He’s been pretty much a supporting character in the past, but hopefully “the Hangover” gives him the star power to be a leading man. Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Daily Show”) is yet another example of why “The Daily Show” is the next “SNL” of talent. Hopefully we continue to see him in bigger and bigger roles.
The break out star here is comedian Zack Galifianakis. He could very well be the next Seth Rogan or Will Ferrell from this role. He is so funny in this movie. Whenever the movie slows down he’s there with a one liner to knock you on the ground laughing. Whenever one of the other characters says something funny he’s there with an even funnier line. I am sure we’ll see him in the future; hopefully he doesn’t go the way of Will Ferrell, i.e. “Semi Pro” or “Land of the Lost.”
The Bad: There is a lot of down time between jokes, it is worth it, but that doesn’t change the fact that there is a lot of down time. Also, if you’re looking for realism or logic, this movie totally lacks that. There’s no way these guys wouldn’t have woken up in jail or dead, but who cares, the movie is a great fun ride of hilarity. I highly recommend this movie to anybody who enjoys a good comedy.
BYLINE:
Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be allowed to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Email him your thoughts at: bzerull19@gmail.com. Also visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com.
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