The Hangover: Part II
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In 2009, The Hangover wowed audiences and critics alike with its hilarious antics and stellar cast. For many, it was their first run in with comedian Zach Galifianakis although it certainly wouldn’t be their last. The film would go on to be a commercial success and win multiple awards, including a Golden Globe. Naturally, a sequel would be inevitable.
The Wolfpack returns in The Hangover: Part II for Stu’s (Ed Helms) wedding. No, he’s not getting married to Jade, the stripper from Vegas. This time around he’s marrying Lauren (Jamie Chung). We aren’t really given much of a backstory as to how the two got together. Pretty much all we know about the couple is that her father hates Stu, which is why they’ve decided to have the ceremony all the way in Thailand.
That doesn’t deter Phil (Bradley Cooper), Doug (Justin Bartha), and yes, even Alan (Zach Galifianakis) from going to the wedding for their best friend, although Stu is fairly reluctant to have Alan around after what happened in Vegas and we soon find out why. Once again, the Wolfpack manages to wake up the day before the wedding and not have any clue where they are or what they did. This time they even managed to drag Lauren’s little brother into their shenanigans. It’s Vegas all over again…literally.
The Hangover: Part II is essentially a remake of the first film only instead of Vegas our friends find themselves in Bangkok. The story is the same, with the film playing out in the exact order of the original, starting with a phone call from Stu, etc. If you’re looking for something more creative and hilarious than the first, this isn’t it unfortunately. There are still laughs to be had however.
What happens in Bangkok, stays in Bangkok. While that may not have a nice ring to it as the Vegas quote, it still remains true. Phil, Stu and Alan manage to get themselves into even more trouble than before. If you’ve seen any of the previews you know that it involves Stu getting a tattoo, Alan getting his head shaved, and a mischievous little monkey. Zach Galifiankis still manages to impress with his utter stupidity, even going as far as making his Osama jokes from the first film seem tame.
The film is funny at moments, but doesn’t bring anything new to the franchise. What made the original so great was the fact that it was new and exciting. By now, that initial wow factor has worn off and audiences want something along the same lines but still original and creative. Director Todd Phillips just decided to stick with the former. As a result, you know everything that’s going to happen ahead of time. The Hangover: Part II is sure to please some fans, just don’t go in expecting it to be as great as the first.
- Review by Matt Rodriguez
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