Like so many film fans out there, I was quite fond of the original Hangover film, what with its cryptic plot about three guys trying to piece together a complete blackout of a night on the town in Sin City, only to find themselves becoming fast friends as a result of their misadventures.
Call me a Doubting Thomas for assuming nothing new could come out of a predictable sequel starring the same guys who swore they'd never act this crazy again. Well, color me surprised.
What is The Hangover Part II All About?
While it isn't really specified in the first few minutes of the film, a few years have probably passed since Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) had managed to go on a Vegas bachelor party bender, losing track of groom Doug (Justin Bartha) in the process.
Now, it's Stu's turn to marry the beautiful Lauren (Jamie Chung, Sucker Punch), whose parents are of Thai descent and who hope to hold the wedding ceremony at a luxurious resort in their native land.
As everyone's anxious to make this wedding happen but are extremely reluctant to cause a repeat of their last film's misadventure, the boys decide to play it safe, and have a modest bonfire toast, with beer and some marshmallows.
Of course, this film is about anything but a normal ceremony, so be sure to expect more blackouts and more lost family members.
As the boys wake up in a dark and sweaty hotel room in downtown Bangkok with no idea how they got there, and with the bride's teenage brother gone missing, the guys have to piece the events of the previous night back together (again) before Stu walks down the isle.
The Hangover Part II A Surprising Sequel with Minor Problems
While I enjoyed seeing the wonderful fraternal chemistry which made the Wolf Pack really mesh in the first film, I couldn't help but be turned off by Galifianakis' Alan in this installment. Though his character's personality traits made him a quirky misfit in the original film, here this persona is driven up a notch, resulting in an Alan which comes off as more Andy Dick than Galifianakis.
Don't get me wrong, I love the man's stand-up comedy work (look him up on YouTube, his inventiveness is infectious), but his work in this film brings the film down one unnecessary notch. The funniest moments of the film still belong to Asian self-made gangsta Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), who returns in this sequel.
Hangover Part II Blu-Ray Extras
There's the usual assortment of interviews here, but most seasoned viewers will probably gravitate towards the blooper reel, which shows just how much fun a trio of actors can enjoy themselves, even when filming overseas.
The Final Word on The Hangover Part II
If you can get past the painful moments that Alan ruins, you can probably still enjoy this film for its zany plot and clever twists. Fans of the first film will find themselves working just as hard to try and solve the many riddles which plague these Wolf Pack members.
Also, keep watching after the credits start rolling, as we get a taste of what really happened (in the same manner as the first movie) by way of smartphone pictures taken the night before. Enjoy.
The Hangover Part II: 3.5 out of 5
Dominic Messier - Dominic Messier is a Toronto-based Film & TV writer, Sci-Fi TV and Film Dramas Topic Editor, and creator of PopCultureLandscape.com
