Review of The Hangover (2009) by Gregory G — 03 Oct 2015
This raucous, raunchy, sophomoric comedy about four friends from Los Angeles who travel to Las Vegas for a weekend bachelor party, in which the groom (Justin Bartha) turns up missing the morning after a night of debauchery, was highly popular.
When Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianikis, and Ed Helms awake from their stupor, they try to piece together what happened so they can return for the wedding. The farcical structure is fairly clever, and the movie is consistently funny and unapologetically crude in the manner of "Animal House," "Bachelor Party," and the more recent "Old School.
" Cooper became a star in the role, but he's essentially playing an obnoxious, narcissistic frat-boy. More problematic is the marginal acting and the sourness of the women's roles. (Heather Graham is the bland stripper with the heart of gold and Racheal Harris is so shrill as one of the wives that the conception is incredibly callous.
) But there are appealing comic performances by Jeffrey Tambor as the father of the bride, Ken Jeong as a bizarre gangster, and Mike Tyson as himself. Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Directed by Todd Phillips.
The closing credits are ingenious. Followed by two awful sequels.
This review of The Hangover (2009) was written by Gregory G on 03 Oct 2015.
The Hangover has generally received very positive reviews.
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