THE HANGOVER (REVIEW)
'The
Hangover' is an uproariously funny film I simply did not expect to like at all.
Doug (Justin Bartha) is getting married in two days, his best friends Phil and
Stu are taking him to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. Also along for the ride
is Doug's brother in law to be, Alan, a strange individual bordering on freakish.
With their villa at Caesars Palace secured, the boys get ready
for a big night, but first head up to the hotel roof to sink some shots in celebration
for Doug. This is where the morning after becomes a problem - the fun begins and
the blank spots 'kind of' come together. Doug is gone, there's a newborn baby
in the closet, a tiger in the bathroom, a chicken in the kitchen, and Stu has
lost a tooth. None of them can remember a thing.
Hoping to
track down Doug while the clock is ticking for his approaching wedding, the three
remaining boys go out and about trying to re-trace their steps from the night
before. I cannot say too much more as the constant surprises may be ruined, however,
among other things; they have a run-in with Asian gangsters and drive a ' borrowed'
police car on the foot path.
Even Rollergirl herself makes
an appearance. The outstanding Heather Graham is no stranger to Sin City having
been equally impressive in 'Swingers'. Oscar nominated for her role in 'Boogie
Nights', she's an underused actress willing to take risks and possesses a knack
for comedy. Here she plays Jade, a hardworking stripper with a penchant for breastfeeding.
Disgraced
boxer Mike Tyson is an odd edition but manages to strike the funny bone in a memorable
musical interlude. One certified star making turn among the anarchy is Bradley
Cooper as the confident smooth talking Phil. Soon to be seen in a remake of 'The
A-Team', Cooper showed all the signs of a matinee idol in 'He's Just Not That
Into You' and backs it up here.
This pre-marriage road trip
turns the events of one night of drunken debauchery into classic cinema gold,
not high art, but very funny indeed. A hint; don't leave before the credits, there's
even more hilarity to come.
Shane A. Bassett
