Like a bad case of déjà vu, The Hangover Part II is a cruder, much more morbid, and essentially less funny retread of the first film.
Considering the staggering success of the first Hangover (highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time), it makes sense that writer/producer/director Todd Phillips would succumb to such laziness. After all, why change a great dish when the ingredients worked the first time? Unfortunately for Phillips and us, the elements have become stale and tasteless.
The film opens by re-introducing those amnesic party animals known as “The Wolf Pack”: hard partying school teacher Phil (Bradley Cooper), newlywed Doug (Justin Bartha), man child Allan (Zach Galifianakis), and cautious dentist Stu (Ed Helms).
This time it is Stu who is getting married, to Thai American bride to be Lauren (Jamie Chung). Out of respect to her family the ceremony is held on a Thai island off the mainland, yet neither sea nor mountain can stop the inevitable from happening, with the unholy trio of Phil, Allan, and Stu waking up in a seedy Bangkok hotel room with no recollection of the nights events.
Making things worse is the disappearance of Stu’s soon to be brother in law Teddy (Mason Lee). And so the shenanigans begins again....
While The Hangover surprised with its daring and no holds barred comedy, its sequel buckles under the weight of expectation. Innovation is clearly its enemy, with the same gags told in a different setting and much more emphasis on pushing the envelope, mostly to gasps rather than laughs.
Instead of a tiger, this time we have a chain smoking monkey. Instead of a baby, it’s an old monk who has taken a vow of silence. A new song from goth rocker Danzig plays over the opening credits, and familiar faces re-appear. If anything, Phillips should sue himself for copyright.
What does work is the change of location, with Bangkok an inspired and all together different monster from the previous Las Vegas, which had some charm. Also agreeable are the actors, who still share a likeable chemistry while creating and reacting to the far out comedic lunacy very well.
The problem (if you haven’t figured) lies in the writing and direction of Phillips. The Hangover Part II is his second consecutive film to bite the dust, and although sure to be a financial success it is a clear indication that this once innovative director is clearly stretching himself thin.
Hopefully, The Hangover Part II is the wakeup call needed for Phillips to shake off the cobwebs and get back on his game. |