The Hangover

“Plus it’s not a purse, it’s called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.” Known the best for its blue and slapstick humor, The Hangover (2009) definitely kept countless Americans laughing for the entire duration of the movie. When Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug take a trip to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party, things spin down the drain faster than you can say “wedding”. They lose the groom-to-be, find a baby in a cabinet and a tiger in the bathroom, and have an encounter with the ever fantastic Mr. Chow who demands ransom. Yet, none of the three seem to remember what has happened the previous night. As these three go on the hunt to get a clue of what has happened to their best friend, they befriend many dynamic and distinct strangers who all have miraculously managed to be a part of their “wild night out”.

To be utterly and completely honest, there wasn’t much to this movie except for its humor. Yes, it’s true; it’s not sophisticated humor like sarcasm, puns, or satires. But the plebeian jokes have busted many people’s ribcages throughout the years. Does this movie have a good story line? No. Does this movie have a moral to it? No, not unless you count “never trust drug dealers for they can give you the wrong drug and screw up your brain.” This film was strictly and solely based on being the comical and ideal “four best friends that anybody can have”. With their brotherly-borderline-gay love for one another, the characters in this picture definitely can act their heart out. It’s almost like a reality TV-show.

But regardless of the positive reviews I have received from my peers on this movie, I have found it to be quite disappointing. Yes, I knew that this wasn’t going to be the best movie I’ve ever watched, but I expected it to be even more hilarious. I believe some parts were intended to be funny, but to me it just seemed totally awkward and forced. Going overboard, one may put it as. I don’t know, maybe from all the vigor I received when asking about this movie, I expected this movie to keep me up all night with sudden short clips flashing through my mind. But none of that; instead, just brief funny moments throughout the movie, but nothing really impacting and engraved into my permanent memory. Yes, I’m sure if I see it again and again, I’ll still laugh at the same parts as I previously laughed at, but it wouldn’t be something I would want to see over and over again, for it is very dull and repetitive. If you’re home alone on a Friday or Saturday night with a couple hours to waste, I recommend you spend those two hours watching this film for an instant “feel-good” remedy. But if you’re looking to watch something worthwhile and really analyze a substantial topic, this would not be a recommended film, for it may end up killing your brain cells than challenging them.




Entertainment: ★★★★
Social Commentary: ☆ (yes, that's a zero)
Acting: ★★★★


Total: ★★


Director: Todd Phillips


Duration: 100 minutes


Rating: R


Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha