Movie Review: The Hangover Part II

Synopsis:

In The Hangover Part II, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don't always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined. -- (C) Warner Bros

Genre: Comedy
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Craig Mazin, Scott Armstrong, Todd Phillips

Casts:

Bradley Cooper as Phil
Zach Galifianakis as Alan
Ed Helms as Stu
Justin Bartha as Doug
Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow
Mike Tyson as Himself
Mason Lee as Teddy
Sasha Barrese as Tracy
Jamie Chung as Lauren

REVIEW:

The Hangover Part II is a complete carbon copy of its predecessor but still has the the fun and mystery of what happened during the night that they are all f***ed up!

Well, surprisingly, The Hangover Part 11 delivered well in living up to its premise on putting together all the clues in finding the lost character after a night of drinking and merriment. Which eventually led to uncertain circumstances and involvements that really added spice to the whole film.

This time, after conquering Vegas, they invade Thailand. Its kinda refreshing to know that they have chosen an Asian country as their setting. The epic characters from the Part 1 are still up. And now, with the addition of Teddy's Character who happens to be the brother of Lauren (which is Stu's Fiance), the comeback of Mr. Chow and the special participation of monkey really gave a more or less new and refreshing look of the second franchise.

The plot revolved around Stu's wedding in Lauren's native land - Thailand. Lauren is Stu's new girl after a failed relationship as shown in the first film. Of course, who could ever forget the WOLF-PACK (Stu, Alan, Phil and Doug) and now with the addition of Lauren's brother, Teddy who completed the Hangover gang.

Their visit in Thailand is primarily because the wedding is set on Lauren's land as request of her parents who happens to be not so amenable on Stu. The hangover started when the boys (including Teddy) decided to have a drink on a bonfire at the seashore. Then, the rest was history. (of course, I won't spoil what happened next)

The Hangover Part 2 brought a lot of cliches from the First film. Actually, its just merely the same aside from its location and series of events that occurred during that night. It might feel dejavu on the fans of The Hangover watching this second installment but for me, it brings the same level of fun and excitement as the story progresses. What makes Hangover series appealing is the fact that you wanted to know what happened last night. Aside from finding the lost character, the remaining characters is now caught and in dilemma with circumstances and activities they can't even remember doing because they are all drunk last night. For me, I don't care if they copy the plot on their next franchises, but hey, its the HANGOVER THING that made this film unique and at par to any other films in Hollywood.

This time, the whole thing happened in THAILAND. I really commend the Production setting of this film. Aside from it is shot in an Asian Country, it showcased Thailand's culture, people and tourist spots as well.

The characters were also great. I so love every attitude of the characters that really blended well in the film's genre and delivery. Of course, I love the character of Alan... a weirdo yet subtle person who just wanted friendship and acceptance. The director really did well in correlating all the characters in terms of emotions and connections with each other. Teddy (the new addition) also gave an average performance, enough to compliment the riot cast.

For me, Hangover 2 is good. It is much complicated and suitably funny than the first but it failed to give excitement. For fans, they'll be more or less disappointed to the second franchise but for first timers, they would be pleased. however, expect lots of surprises and revelations in Hangover Part II.

And who could ever forget the epic ending of the first... The closing credits turned slideshow presentation of all their pictures during the time that they were all f***ed up! Don't worry! You'll get another dosage of it on Hangover Part II.

RATINGS: 4 STARS