‘The Hangover’ is Messed Up in a Good Way
-----Raunchy comedies have been growing steadily in popularity and number since Judd Apatow released such hits as ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ and ‘Superbad.’ And it’s definitely been awhile since there’s been a popular dirty comedy without his name behind it, or at least not starring Apatow favorites like Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Jason Segel. Finally, the time has come for a new group of faces in the fresh and fun raunchy comedy, ‘The Hangover.’
-----‘The Hangover’ follows three friends on their way to Vegas for their friend Doug’s bachelor party. They quickly get wasted, only to wake up the next morning in pain, surrounded by a trashed hotel room including a tiger and a baby, but oddly missing their very own bachelorette, Doug. The three then set out on an epic journey to find their friend, as they follow the trail they made last night.
-----Perhaps the best strength of ‘The Hangover,’ is the chemistry between its leads. More of an ensemble really, there is no one star of this film. Bradley Cooper plays the more-or-less leader of the trio, as the cocky Phil Wenneck. He’s somewhat of a jerk overall, but he still finds a chemistry with his costars and manages not to be a typical comedy archetype. Ed Helms (TV’s ‘The Office’) plays Dentist Stu Price. Helms plays the more uptight, and more responsible of the three friends. He’s held back by his domineering girlfriend who he has to tell lie to about the upcoming trip. Perhaps the funniest of the trio is Zach Galifianakis (‘Out Cold’) as the somewhat slow, very ridiculous Alan Garner. His character is bizarre and outrageous to the point you can’t help but be entertained. Without the chemistry and comedic timing expertly handled by this ensemble, ‘The Hangover’ wouldn’t be worth much at all. Their dialogue back and forth is so genuine and hilarious that they manage give this raunchy film a heart. Even more amazing is the fact that you still like them after all of their shortcomings and rough edges. They remain relatable despite the enormous gravity of their situation, and ‘The Hangover’ is all the funnier for it. Heather Graham also gets some laughs as the hooker that Stu winds up marrying over the course of the night. She too finds a solid and believable chemistry with the guys, and is congenial in her own right. Rounding out the primary cast is the always funny Justin Bartha (of ‘National Treasure’ fame). He plays lost friend Doug, in a small, but funny role. He is the last in the awesome cast of relative unknowns to find chemistry with his costars, as he adds to the fun experience that is ‘The Hangover.’
-----The movie is sure to get plenty of laughs for the outrageous factor alone. However, despite a witty script and fast paced plot, what really sold me on it were the leads. With authentic chemistry, brilliant timing, and unending energy, they are the heart and soul of this film. It absolutely would not work without them, but with them, the film soars into comedy gold. And as I already mentioned, the fact that you still like them after all of their stunts and character flaws is amazing, and ultimately the reason why this ‘Hangover’ isn’t a painful one.
-----Technically the film is surprisingly well made. The cinematography is one of a number of aspects that is classy beyond the constraints of a raunchy comedy. It’s a factor that I normally wouldn’t even talk about for a comedy, but here, it is excellent. Whether it’s long shots over Las Vegas, or just a clever pan over a trashed hotel room, the cinematography is top notch. The music choice is also great, using a variety of contemporary tracks that really fit with the film’s getting-wasted-in-Vegas theme.
-----The movie’s plot also unfolds in an unexpectedly satisfying manner. The film actually works as one of the better mysteries I’ve seen recently, as the pieces of the puzzle that is last night slowly start to unfold. The film doesn’t rely on, nor does it even really use flashbacks, the exception being a short montage that Stu plays on the piano. It smartly unveils a witty and believable conclusion to why none of them can remember anything that happened last night, accurately explaining how things got so crazy. Rarely does a raunchy comedy like ‘The Hangover’ have such a complete and fulfilling ending. Normally it’s just, here’s another joke, roll credits. ‘The Hangover’ even manages to avoid being unnecessarily gross; well…at least until the credits anyway.
-----‘The Hangover’ is targeted to a very specific demographic. Basically, if the trailer interested you at all, you’ll really like this film. If the trailer gave you a headache and you’re easily frustrated however, stay far, far away from this one. The key is to just sit back and enjoy watching these losers trip over them-selves time and time again. Now I think Galifianakis’ humor and the casts’ chemistry will hold up for repeat viewings, but even if they don’t, the film is definitely worth seeing at least once. Overall the movie is funny, clever, and completely riotous. It’s sure to get a number of laughs from those who willingly go see it; for the easily offended and/or frustrated however, not so much. For everyone else, ‘The Hangover’ is wildly fun and the year’s best full-blown comedy to date.
-----Tidbit: A sequel has already received the green light. While I don’t know what it will be about (hopefully not the exact same premise), I look forward to seeing this soon-to-be-famous cast reunite for more hilarious escapades. I’d especially love to see Bartha have more screen time with the leads in the sequel.
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