The Hangover

The Hangover (2009)
Directed by Todd Philips.
Starring Brad Cooper, Ed Helm, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham.

There was so much hype for this film that I went in with very high expectations, still I LMAO. It was a cleverly structured movie with a tight screenplay. The film does not focus on (or show) the party, just the terrible aftermath (or The Hangover), this creates a cool mystery that allows the effects of the party (layers of problems) to unravel as the men sober up. The film is a farce and completely implausible but it doesn't matter, you run with it and enjoy the nightmare. It's like being drunk when you watch it.. the film is absurdly brilliant.

The movie was full of great sight-gags, Ed Helms missing tooth being the one that 1st comes to mind. Helms steals the show, he is so hilarious, a wild-tiger inside an uptight nerd; his scenes with Heather Graham are so funny. Helms' arc is the biggest in the film and when it gets to the end and dumps his horrid fiance, we feel his world is a better place. It's not only a movie about marriage and a hangover in Vegas, its about friendship, loyalty and family. The end of the movie really makes the journey make sense, when we see the men reconnect with their loved ones.. it feels good.

The only thing that really bothered me in the movie was the nasty little Asian gay mob-guy who kidnaps Mike Epps, this whole scene was a complete waste of time to me, and not that funny. Mike Tyson plays himself in a smart move, he even sings 'Something in the air' by Phil Collins, taking the piss out of himself. Kudos Tyson!!! Check out the documentary Tyson, it is also very good. The Hangover just won a GG for Best Comedy... they did something right.