Everyone who knows me knows I don’t often see comedies – or what masquerades as comedies in today’s movie theaters. That’s because comedies often fall into one of two categories: stupid (pratfalls) or raunchy. And neither, to me, is funny. The reason “The Hangover” gets 2 smiles instead of 1 or 1 ½ is director Todd Phillips’ creative approach to telling a story and his likable cast.
Waking up in the morning with no idea of what happened the night before is not that inventive, but when you add a trashed penthouse with blowup dolls in the Jacuzzi, a makeshift trapeze hanging from the chandelier, a tiger in the bathroom and a chicken roaming around the living room, you know you’re in for something different. Throw in a missing groom, a mysterious visit to the hospital, and a stolen police car with a very small man in the trunk and you’re wondering what’s going to happen next. And although the lead actors (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Justin Bartha) play familiar types, their onscreen charisma carries them through this outrageous plot. Only the bearded Alan (Zach Galifianakis) is weird in ways that are often uncomfortable. So see this if you must; a lot of people already have. 6/2/09
1 comment:
"Hangover"
Starring: Can't remember
Directed by: Does it matter?
This movie defies all explanation or description. I have been going to films for 60 years and I have never seen one like this. Now I didn't say that I didn't like it.....I laughed a lot, rolled my eyes to the back of my head and responded with many "Ohs", "ouches" and "My gods". This totally irreverent and raunchy "bachelor party" film did not seem to be directed and I would be surprised if it even had a script. It seemed like a bunch of crazy young men going off on a weekend in Vegas while taking a camera-man with them. I rate it as a 2 1/2 bagger out of a possible 5.
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