The Hangover reviewed

The Hangover is easily one of the best adult-orientated comedies released in a long while. Combining witty, quotable dialogue and genuinely funny sight gags, it steers well clear of the juvenile humour that the likes of Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell have come to rely on in even their more explicit movies.


Neither is The Hangover Superbad in terms of smutty visuals or dialogue. There’s a smattering of nudity, both male and female, but it’s for maximum comic effect, and if there is any serious coarseness in the verbal exchanges, it can’t be too graphic because, well, I don’t remember it.

What really works in The Hangover’s favour is its plot structure. The film’s premise is simple: a group of guys head to Las Vegas for one last night of debauchery before Doug (Justin Bartha) becomes all responsible-like and ties the knot. The friends gather together on a rooftop overlooking the Strip, toast to a night they’ll never forget, and then… suddenly it’s the next morning. Debonair but cynical Phil (Bradley Cooper), repressed dentist Stu (Ed Helms) and weirdly intense Alan (Zach Galifianakis) wake up in their wrecked penthouse suite to find a smouldering sofa, a baby in the closet, an angry tiger in the bathroom, and Doug AWOL. The 3 men have absolutely no memory of the previous evening, and in searching for Doug they’re forced to solve an increasingly surreal mystery, tentatively leaping from clue to clue.


In a refreshing change, the trailer for The Hangover hasn’t spoiled the film’s funniest moments. I won’t give any of these scenes away, but most involve Galifianakis’ Alan, who has the tendency to do and say the most inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times. I also have to single out Ken Jeong’s effeminate professional gambler Mr. Chow as another of the film’s highlights.


A further enjoyable aspect of The Hangover is that it has a heart without trying. Too often comedies that focus on male friendship – or bromance as it tends to be called these days – overstrain themselves in a bid to address the issue. Suddenly all jokes are shunted aside and replaced with treacly “I love you, man” bonding sessions. The most you get in The Hangover is a quiet moment of reflection, which fits into the film at an appropriate point, and feels gratifyingly realistic.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Hangover. I am disappointed to hear though that they’re already planning a sequel because this comedy should really be left as a standalone experience; not cheapened by transforming it into a formula. Perhaps it’s not a movie to be watched with your conservative parents, but The Hangover is damn funny. Highly recommended.

Comments

Tim said…
Couldn't agree more. Everyone I know that's watched it enjoyed it thoroughly. There was even applause at the end of the cinema screening I attended.
MJenks said…
I've heard that Alan and I bear a striking resemblance, at least in character form.
Pfangirl said…
Tim, everyone I saw it with, all ages, races, genders seemed to have a great time too. Many were talking about watching it again as they left the cinema.

And MJenks.... yeah... I don't know if I would advertise that fact. You know, restraining orders and all that:)

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