Review: The Hangover

Every summer the most anticipated movies usually feature big-name stars and in-your-face special effects. But every once in awhile something different comes along that unexpectedly garners critical and box office success. “The Hangover,” the latest comedy from “Old School” director Todd Phillips, definitely falls into this category.

A few days before his wedding, Doug (Justin Bartha) heads to Las Vegas for the ultimate bachelor party with his three groomsmen: His best friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), a sarcastic middle school teacher, and Stu (Ed Helms), a mild-mannered dentist with an overbearing girlfriend, and his soon-to-be brother-in-law Alan (Zach Galifianakis), an off-the-wall loner who just wants to be one of the guys.

After checking into an expensive villa at Caesar’s Palace and taking a few shots on the roof, the guys go on a series of drunken misadventures. The next morning, they wake up to find Doug missing and are so hung over that they have no recollection of what happened the night before.

The only clues they have to guide them are Doug’s missing mattress, a hospital bracelet on Phil’s wrist, a chicken perched atop the piano, a baby crying in the closet and an angry tiger in the bathroom. Phil, Stu and Alan must attempt to retrace their steps so they can find Doug and get him home before his wedding.

“The Hangover” is unapologetically vulgar and profane, which is part of its charm. On its surface, the film seems like just another silly take on the blunders of man-children, but it actually has a surprising amount of wit and cleverness. The mystery of where Doug is and what the guys drunkenly did the night before is just as interesting as the film’s comedic situations are hilarious.

Part of what makes “The Hangover” transcend most recent comedies is its sharp script. One might not expect much from the writing team whose past endeavors include “Four Christmases” and “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” But whatever faults those films may have had, Jon Lucas and Scott Moore make up for it with this movie. Each line of dialogue brings more and more laughs.

Often the majority of a film’s memorable moments are given away in the trailer. This is certainly not the case with “The Hangover.” Rather than having just a few stand-out moments, this film consistently delivers throughout.

Another one of the film’s strong points is its cast. It may not have the biggest movie stars, but Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis fit into their roles perfectly and really click as an ensemble. They are a riot to watch together, and they carry the film with ease.

While “The Hangover’s” R-rated (and at the end of the film bordering on NC-17-rated) laughs may not be for everyone, fans of witty, raunchy and ridiculous comedy should find this film goes beyond their expectations. B+