THE HANGOVER (2009)

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"The best “hangover“ I have ever been a part of… sort of. It will leave you hungover with laughter."

Going into the midnight showing of this movie, I was concerned that I was about to witness the same gags I had seen in the trailer. I was afraid I had already pretty much seen the best this film had to offer. Then, the movie began and for the first fifteen minutes, I felt I was spot on. But noooooo. Boy was I wrong. The gags I saw in the trailer were just a glimpse of the whole picture. The film is absolutely funny and, believe it or not, it actually gets funnier and funnier as the film progresses. In case you've been living in a cave, allow me to tell you what this movie is about.

Synopsis (1)

Doug (Justin Bartha) is getting married in two days so three of his friends have decided to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for him. Doug's accompanied by his best friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis). The four decide to start their night atop the hotel's roof with a shot but then awaken the next morning to a trashed suite. Not only that, but Stu is missing a tooth, Alan has no pants, there is a chicken running loose, a tiger in the bathroom and a baby in the closet. To make matters worse, the "groom to be" is missing. Phil, Stu, and Alan don't have the slightest clue of the events that transpired the night before and now have to go out on a trek to recreate the night to find Doug and get him to the wedding on time.

Story (2)

The story is not too original. We've seen this scenario before in films such as "The Night Before" and "Dude, Where's My Car". But never have I seen it done this funny. Every scene the film takes us to will have you laughing up a storm. As our heroes, victims, idiots... whatever you want to call them, piece together their night of celebration, one can't help but laugh hysterically at what they discover they've done. A marriage on the whim. A pulled tooth because of a bet. A stolen police car. A stolen tiger. A kidnapping. It just keeps getting funnier and funnier... and funnier.

Acting (3)

The film really works thanks to the chemistry our four buddies have throughout the film. Most of these guys are unknown except Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers and Yes Man) who plays the cool dude perfectly. Stu the Dentist is played by Ed Helms (best known as Andy in the TV series The Office). Helms plays the "abused by his girlfriend" Stu amazingly well. But the character that steals the show is without a doubt, Alan (played by Zach Galifianakis). Whatever you do... do not ask me to pronounce Zach's last name. I'm telling you its worse than the time everyone was trying to pronounce Schwarzenegger for the first time. Galifianakis is probably remembered most for his role in Out Cold way back in 2001. I never thought I'd ever see him funnier than his role in that movie, but I was wrong. If people don't take the time to learn this guy's name, it will be a tragedy. The guy has a future in comedy. 'Nuff said.

Direction (4)

Director Todd Phillips has entertained us with Old School and Road Trip, but he absolutely surpasses himself with this film. So much so, that a sequel to The Hangover has already been green lit. Can you imagine that. A sequel is getting prepped before the original is even released. What does that tell you about this guys direction on this film? Answer: Perfection. There isn't a single scene that lets you catch your breath. Its simply one laugh after another after another... after another. The pace is wonderful and I can't wait to see what they have in store for the sequel.

I guess Jon Lucas and Scott Moore deserve some of the credit as well. After all, without the screenplay, you pretty much don't have a story. Kudos goes out to both of them for working together and collaborating on what I believe will be the best comedy of the year.

My Take (5)

In conclusion, the film will make you pee in your pants with laughter. It reminds me so much of last year's Pineapple Express. An adult oriented comedy that is simply outrageous. This film will leave you hungover... with laughter. It's the best Hangover I have ever been a part of... in a theater, anyway. I recommend you see this one as soon as possible if you need a laugh. They say laughter is the best medicine. Well, you'll probably overdose with this flick.

Oh, and don't leave without seeing the credits. We get a little bonus and see more of what happened on the stag night. Stay seated. Trust me... you'll love it.

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MOVIE RATING SCALE:

5.0 stars = A MUST SEE

*** 4.5 stars = Excellent ***

4.0 stars = Outstanding

3.5 stars = Good

3.0 stars = Above Average

2.5 stars = Average

2.0 stars = Disappointing

1.5 stars = Bad

1.0 stars = Terrible

0.5 stars = Horrible

0.0 stars = UNWATCHABLE