Movie Review: “The Hangover”
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 8:34PM | By Franck Tabouring 
Seen on: June 5, 2009
The players: Director: Todd Phillips, Writers: Scott Moore, Jon Lucas, Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha
Facts of interest: A sequel to "The Hangover" has already been confirmed.
The plot: Three guys take their best friend to Vegas to throw him a bachelor party... and then they loose him.
Our thoughts: Todd Phillips’ “The Hangover” is a comedic masterpiece stuffed with huge laughs, crazy surprises and a bunch of extraordinary performances that quite simply propel the movie into a state of excellence. It is by far the funniest film I’ve seen so far this year, and believe it or not, it’s also one of the best.
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis star as Phil, Stu and Alan, three friends who are super excited to throw their best buddy Doug (Justin Bartha) a bachelor party he’ll never forget. But shortly after the four guys arrive in Vegas and start drinking, things quickly get out of control.
Forward to next morning, and Phil, Stu and Alan wake up in their suite having absolutely no recollection of happened just a few hours earlier. Doug is nowhere to be found, the suite they booked is completely destroyed, and the bathroom is occupied by… yes, a tiger. Oh, and there’s a baby in the closet too…
With no idea whatsoever what happened, Phil, Stu and Alan head out to piece together the puzzle and follow a bunch of funny clues that may help them remember how in the world they could use their best friend. And trust me, the hunt for clues these guys embark on is as hilarious as it could be.
Indeed, I really can’t remember when I last laughed so loud in a movie theater. Right from the first moment up to the very last scene, “The Hangover” boasts incredibly silly dialogue and a horde of totally absurd moments that are as amusing as ever. As brainless and vulgar as the film’s humor is, it always hits all the right notes.
Phillips, the director who gave us “Old School” and the recent failures “Starsky & Hutch” and “School for Scoundrels,” is at the top of his game with “The Hangover.” He clearly knows what he wants, he does a fine job directing his splendid cast, and pretty much every of his scenes – comedic or not – look great and work splendidly.
As far as the development of the plot is concerned, I can’t and won’t say much because I sure don’t want to spoil the fun. Suffice is to say that the three friends encounter a bunch of really awkward characters and run into the most absurd situations, most of which are extremely funny. Add to that countless hilarious lines, and you’ve got a perfect comedy; dirty and raunchy, sure, but bloody brilliant!
In a comedy that relies so much on what is said and how it’s said, having a talented cast utter the jokes is certainly important. Luckily, the main actors do a fantastic job, with Galifianakis stealing the show pretty much every time he opens his mouth. That said, Cooper and Helms are perfect as well, as are quick appearances by Ken Jeong and Mike Tyson.
Freaky quote: "We fucked up!" – Bradley Cooper
The final word: There is so much more I could say about the hilarity of some of these situations our protagonists encounter, but I’ll stop writing before I reveal too much. To wrap this up, all I can say is that “The Hangover” is an absurd comedy that is actually 100 percent hilarious. The writing is witty, the jokes work and the cast delivers the goods. Go have some fun… without a hangover.
Article by Franck Tabouring
Reader Comments (6)
It would indeed be good to laugh at a Hollywood film…all the way through and not just in isolated vignettes that have all been given away by the trailer anyway. If we have found that rare and elusive creature called an intelligent adult comedy, then I for one will celebrate wholeheartedly.
I'm afraid I couldn't disagree with you more, Franck. I found THE HANGOVER to be almost completely unfunny. The aesthetic was appropriately sobering but the subjects were completely unlikable and I am so bored of vilifying women to further the straight male sense of humour. I wouldn't call this one of the worst films I've seen all year but I will say it was certainly one of the most disappointing. It presents itself as fresh and original but it was oh so much more of the same tired garbage they've been spoon feeding us for years.
The Hangover is better than any will ferrell comedy and the chemistry of the three men is extraordinary. A must see for any person considering themselves a fan of comedy. this film has everything: Women, alcohol, cops, headaches, even babies and tigers.
I saw it yesterday. All in all: I haven't laughed that much since I saw Anchorman for the first time. Yes, the jokes aren't particularly smart, but still it works well as a comedy. The jokes are on spot and you don't have to think too much during the movie. Although in the end, it's probably much less funny for women.
Anway, it made me laugh a lot, so I guess the rating is accurate. Nice.
I can see why, The Hangover, is of this summer's biggest hits. First, any movie that can weave a baby, a missing tooth, and Mike Tyson into its plot is comedic gold. Second, the cast, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifanakis and Justin Bartha are great together. Third, Director, Todd Phillips and Screenwriters, John Lucus and Scott Moore figured that the Comedy comes from reactions instead of actions. The success of The Hangover proves there is room for originality in Comedies.
Just saw the movie along with my sister-in-law. Laughed from beginning to end. Hilarious. We are both in our 70,s and truly enjoyed this movie.