The Hangover: “funny” has a whole new meaning!

The Storyline

Ah, another story based around a bachelor party: tons of booze, loose women, etc., etc., but not in this case!  Better be pack’n Depends under the ol’ Underoos ‘cause this flick gonna make ya tinkle yourself !!   Director Todd Phillips takes us on a wild, bumpy ride, following three groomsmen trying to find their groom after one hell of a Vegas night.  Wait until you see what they did!  It’ll blow your mind and the soda from your mouth all over the poor bastard choking to death in front of you.  The storyline keeps you guessing and wanting more.  Hats off to Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, WGA writers that scripted out this puppy.

The Cast

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha and Heather Graham slammed this one home.  This ensemble was amazing.  I would have to believe these actors/tresses created the very characters the script begged for.  Hats off to Zach Galifianakis (say that three times) for creating such a wonderful character for the audience to love.  Hell, he could have his own show after this performance.  Ed Helms is known for The Office, but he also brought us yet another unique underdog character to cheer for throughout the story.  Bradley and Justin were definitely the staples of this crew; and then there’s Heather.  Ah, Heather, she gave us yet another fantastic performance.  Thank you!

I wanted to give credit to the casting director, but discovered there was no credit given to a casting director—huh…?  Hats off to the writers, director and producers that probably hand-picked this dream team.

The Good, Bad and Indifferent

This was a great film.  I thought it was refreshing to see new ideas come to life in a comedy.  The film was well executed.  The overall production was a ten and I’ll tell you why:  first, the actors/tresses you have in this picture were not “A-listers,” so part of the film’s merits fall on the acting—bravo!  Second, the director needs to tell as much as the story as he/she can with visual scenes and ear catching dialogue and sounds that will not be forgotten.

This film will not be forgotten in any way, shape or form!  Also, comedic scenes need the “x” factor that is often in the hands of the editor.  Evans Butterworth (Post Production Executive—never heard of this title before) did a hell of job.  There were so many beautifully shot scenes, which I’m sure saw thousands of hours of color correction and post work completed beyond imagination.

I especially loved the hand-held shot scenes that made you feel a part of the film.  It’s not too often you see this in a comedy except in a Wes Anderson film, so hats off to Alan Caudillo, Director of Photography; your future is looking bright, kid!  The only part of this movie that was a bit weak was the ending.  There were a few strings left untied, BUT there is a sequel already slated!  Can I get a big, “HELL, YEAH!”  Maybe I’ll see those loose strings get tied after all.

The Bottom Line

If you’re into fresh, new comedies – see this film!  So glad to see the R-rated comedies are back.  Maybe the nightly crying and bed-wetting will finally stop.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 12:34 am and is filed under 4, ck, Film Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.