THE HANGOVER (2009)

Some guys just can't handle Vegas.


GENRE
Comedy


STORYLINE
A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him.


DIRECTOR
Todd Phillips


CAST
Bradley Cooper
Ed Helmes
Zach Galifianakis
Justin Bartha


MY REVIEW
How many times R-rated movies have been made just to tell you some crude, profane or vulgar jokes.  The Hangover is not like any such R-rated movie.  It is one the best I have ever seen.   FYI it is the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time.


Mostly set in Las Vegas, this movie is about three best friends namely Doug, Phil and Stu. Doug is getting married to Tracy hence his friends decide to give him a bachelor party in Vegas.  Alan plays Tracy's idiotic  brother Alan who although is not quite social but still manages to get  himself invited to Vegas with the help of Doug.   The morning after their arrival they awaken with no memory of what happened last night.   The groom Doug is missing and now its up-to Phil, Stu and Alan to re-trace their steps and locate Doug before his wedding.


The thing that works for The Hangover is the fact that apart from all the funny lines and scenes, this movie actually has a strong base story.   It is well written with attention given to all that could have happened after a wild night of drinking.  The ways they they use to retrace their steps and the things the characters have actually committed/done last night have been handled brilliantly by the makers.  The Direction by Todd Phillips is quite good.   The funny scenes are refreshing and innovative.   I really dont know how they came up with the tiger scene, but the fact is that it is hilarious.  The song by Stu about the troubles they have got themselves in just sums the story for you and makes you laugh uncontrollably.(This song was actually written by Ed holmes himself )


The performances are exceptional by all the actors. The casting is simply spot-on.  Each character is special and has his/her own part which makes each of them quite memorable.  Phil, as the high school teacher whose brain is no bigger than a high school boy, Stu as the dentist who is always worried especially when it comes to his 'dictator' girlfriend to whom he has to lie in order to get permission for the Vegas trip have not only been written well but also executed well.   Alan as the idiotic brother has most of the funny lines.  You are kept wondering how can anyone be so stupid.   Mr. Chow as the mafia guy, naked guy, the chinese guy etc is damn funny.   Mike Tyson too has a cameo in this film which I feel is one of the best cameos in recent times.


Watch this movie for the chaos, the funny scenes and the innovative story this movie has.  Recommended for all.


MY RATING 9/10


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