The Hangover

I was supposed to do a piece on Guy Ritchie's Snatch but since I just watched the Hangover yesterday, I controduced myself to do a review on this movie instead. Smart, funny and meaningful, The Hangover is one of those go to Vegas films that end all wrong with the group propelled into horrendous situations. Featuring the talents of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifanakiss as Phil, Stu and Alan take soon to be married Doug (Justin Bartha) for a bachelor party in Las Vegas. However, as all would become they wake up after a hard night and find Doug missing, a tiger in the bathroom and a baby in the closet. And so the trio head out to uncover what the fuck happened the night before.

(From left: Alan, Phil and Stu)

Director Todd Philips who has covered works such as Road Trip and Old School (fucking watch it) constructs an unforgettable story and creating a sense that this could be your reality. The real fun is not watching how the trio get into trouble but how trouble gets to them. Its hilarious to watch different types of situations get thrown at them and watching how they react to it. Situations range from a marriage to a stripper, Mike Tyson, Chinese gangsters and stolen police cars (savour the taser scene). The film also deals with the bonds between friends and how one trip can change the lives of Phil (who was bored of marriage), Stu (stuck with a bitchy as fuck girlfriend), Alan (its complicated) and Doug. The plot was marvelous and literally sucked me in.


Heather Graham makes an appearance as a stripper but only gets a few minutes of the camera which was a shame since I kind of liked her character. The flaw in the movie is character development. The team behind the movie were so concentrated on the plot and the set that they almost forgot about the characters. The personality of the trio were never fully utilised and I felt that it was at times unconvincing. Interestingly, the funny lines and scenes were shared equally by all three of the actors with each having a memorable scene in the film. Even if there was a scene where one of the trio got the attention, the others were there to support him thus making the scene funnier. All three of them were always together in every scene perpetuating a bond in between them. Watch for Mr. Chow's ultimate scene of getting out of the trunk naked (full frontal; its okay to get grossed out and laugh at the same time) hitting everyone with a crowbar while speaking the immortal line, 'You wanna fuck on me?'


I give The Hangov er a 7/10.

Favourite quotes:

Stu: So, uh, are you sure you're qualified to be taking care of that baby?
Alan: What are you talking about? I've found a baby before.
Stu: You found a baby? Where?
Alan: Coffee Bean

Alan: Okay, well maybe we should tell that to Rain Man, because he practically bankrupted a casino, and he was a ruh-tard.

Alan: It's not illegal, its frowned upon...like masturbating on an airplane.

Black Doug: Hey man, I can be your Doug.

Stu: She's got my grandmother's Holocaust ring!
Alan: I didn't know they gave out rings at the Holocaust.