The Hangover

Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.

Today's review is The Hangover. Directed by Todd Phillips. Written by John Lucas & Scott Moore.

As I'm sure you are all aware by now that The Hangover has been the runaway hit of the summer. This film was marketed very quietly at the beginning. Then the appearance of a red band trailer (a trailer that contains unrated footage) hit the web and the buzz for this movie spread like wildfire. To be honest, the studio really didn't have a choice in the matter. Considering that there weren't any "name" actors casted. They had to market the film itself instead of market who's in it and in this case it paid off big time.

Our story is the basic premise of 4 guys going to Las Vegas for a bachelor party enjoying the night of their lives only to wake up the next morning not remembering what happened and more importantly losing the groom.

When I 1st saw the trailer I was instantly reminded of Very Bad Things. Another vegas bachelor party film directed by Peter Berg. The only difference between the 2 films is VBT is a dark comedy with some pretty serious themes and The Hangover is a balls out laugh fest.

I won't reveal ANY more of the plot because it will RUIN what you see. What I will comment on is the stellar performances by the cast. Phil played by Bradley Cooper (you may remember him as the crazy groom in Wedding Crashers) is the leader of the group. He acts like a carefree playboy when in reality he's a school teacher with a wife and son. Stu played by Ed Helms is the responsible one who is whipped by his controlling girlfriend. And last but not least is Alan played by comedian Zach Galifianakis. He's the fat, stupid comic relief guy.

The 3 of them MAKE THIS MOVIE! most people would think that Alan is the comic genius but in reality it's a team effort. Each character takes a turn taking the reigns and stealing the show. You could even make the case that Stu was the funniest of the 3. He reminds me of McLovin 25 years older. They all play off each other so well that the jokes come at you lightning quick and the pace doesn't slow down.

That's a direct byproduct of the razor sharp script. The writers did a fantastic job of balancing the laughs between the 3 main players while saving plenty left over for the supporting cast This helped. Todd Phillips return to what made him a name in the business since Old School. After that film came out the comedy world was ready to appoint Phillips to the head of the class. I for one didn't think he was all that and a bag of chips. I felt the cast of the film drove it more than his directing and for a while I was proven right because his follow up to Old School was the dreadful Starsky & Hutch remake.

I am happy to say that he hit a home run here. This is the most COMPLETE comedy I have seen in years. When I say complete I mean this. Throughout this film the guys end up in outrageous situations and EVERY situation gets explained. I will repeat that. EVERY situation gets explained. From where the baby comes from to how Stu loses his tooth to the tiger in the bathroom.

That's what impressed me most about the script. Historically in comedies of this ilk, the characters are put in crazy situations, funny stuff happens but then there isn't any explanation of how they got there or how they got out. That's lazy writing. Anyone can write that their character finds a tiger in their bathroom. It's more impressive to explain how the tiger got there. Even when they find Doug, the reason for where he was was so simple it was brilliant.

On the 5 star scale. The Hangover gets the full house. 5 stars and a HEFTY BIG TIME "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.

The bottom line is that The Hangover was a hysterical ride that you will want to take more than once. If you don't laugh watching this movie I question whether or not you have a funny bone.

That's it for today. My next review will either be Year One. (I'm on the fence about seeing this one. The reviews have not been flattering) If not then Transformers Revenge of The Fallen.

Stay Tuned....

Until Next Episode....I'll Save You A Seat!

"D"