Film Review -The Hangover
An entertaining concoction spilling over with hilarity and mystery.
Jun 5, 2009
The Last Hurrah
In The Hangover, a groom (Justin Bartha), along with his two college-day pals (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms), and his future brother-in-law (Zach Galifianakis) leave L.A. for bachelor night party in Las Vegas, in his soon-to be father-in-law’s (Jeffrey Tambor) prized, vintage Mercedes Benz.
Upon checking into a palatial suite at Cesar’s, the men make a trip up to the hotel’s rooftop. With a panoramic view of Vegas’ neon lit skyline, the foursome make a toast to an evening they intend never to forget.
Many can relate to their own stories of a no-holds barred night of extreme drunken debauchery. But, The Hangover is not simply another “Bachelor Party” goes to Las Vegas.
Director Todd Philips (Old School) and screenwriters, Jon Lucas & Scott Moore, elevate their comedic plot with a “missing person” detective storyline, while exploring the male bonding dynamic.
The Mind Eraser
The next morning, the wild revelers awake to a total disaster area littered with evidence of their depravity from the night before. They find some peculiar sovereigns, such as a live tiger in the bathroom and a crying baby in a bedroom closet, but no Doug, the bridegroom.
The frat buddies, “The Cool Guy” Phil (Cooper) and nerdy Stu (Helms) find themselves left in the odd company of weirdo outsider Alan (Galifianakis). Doug (Bartha) acts as the glue that binds the other men in friendship.
When, he turns up missing the next day, his three friends must work together to backtrack the events of the previous evening to find their cohort. They have just a day to get Doug back to L.A., and take his place beside his fiancée on their wedding day.
A major obstacle in locating the misplaced the groom is the guy’s collective memory loss. Finding clues that reveal how they spent their lost night, leads them on the trail of their truly epic drunken adventure.
Watch for some unexpected bonuses, -a playful casino scene referencing Rain Man and A Beautiful Mind, and the incriminating photographic slide show finale.
The Cocktail Mixologists
"The Hangover" stars Bradley Cooper (He's Just Not That Into You), Ed Helms (The Office), Zach Galifianakis (What Happens in Vegas), Heather Graham (Baby on Board), Justin Bartha (the "National Treasure" films), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), and Zach Galifianakis (What Happens in Vegas), in a breakout performance as the slightly off interloper “Alan”.
Directed by Todd Phillips, (Old School). Screenplay by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore (Four Christmases). Photography directed by Lawrence Sher, Production designed by Bill Brzeski. Edited by Debra Neil-Fisher. Music by Christophe Beck.
Produced by Todd Phillips and Dan Goldberg. Executive producers are Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, William Fay, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
(Running Time: 100 min)
(Rated: R, for pervasive language, sexual content including nudity, and some drug material.)
