My cheeks hurt, seriously, they are hurting me from laughing so hard through Todd Philips’ The Hangover. The Hangover is now atop my list of favorite comedies in the last I don’t know how many years. Old School has it’s spot, Out Cold has been watched over and over, Superbad was funny but in a very immature crude way, The Hangover gets my top spot for comedies period. Yes Life of Bryan and all of the classics are up there, but this hit the spot big time!!
Philips’ has done a great job of bringing Las Vegas to us. The on set locations of Cesar’s Palace along with many other “on the strip” locations is all brought to the viewer in the best way possible. The real way! The hallways are from Cesar’s, the elevator scenes, the rooms, everything is real and it makes the movie what it is. The acting is on par with the locations also. Philips’ has brought together a rag tag team of comedians and hit the comedy jackpot!
Carlos and the boys
The on screen chemistry between Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha is pure brilliance. The improv on this film surely has to be at super high levels. It comes off as they are truly best of friends. No beat is missed, no joke left behind, nothing at all was missed with these four on screen. It’s as if they have known each other for years. The laughs start out hard and in your face and continue to roll through until the credits. The humor is very adult which is refreshing to be honest. The humor of Superbad is more schticky and immature, Old School is more of a gag humor, this is just completely out of control humor all based on one forgotten night in Vegas.
Zach Galifianakis is the hit of the whole film. His well played odd brother in law character made the entire film. From the wolf pack speech, to Mike Tyson’s encounter, it was a great performance for “fat Jesus”. Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms put in great performances in their own unique ways. Helms shows off his already famous signing from his Office appearances, along with a great interaction with the guys. Cooper shines as the father an school teacher slash bad ass. He is the leader of the gang that is trying to remain that way while having a soft heart for his family etc.
Great story, great acting, and very big laughs. What more can one want from a comedy? This is not a family film by any means. The language is very over the top, the R rating is correct and well placed, but that will not deter many from this film. The Hangover will go down as a must have Blu-Ray, DVD, VHS and a fun re-watch over and over for some hysterical laughs.
Make Sure to Stay after the credits!!
