Review: The Hangover Part II

Over the top.

The theory for many sequels is take something from the original and times it by 10. That seems to be the main purpose of The Hangover Part II. The sequel to the surprise smash hit comedy of 2009. While it falls short on the laughs compared to the first one, it does make a few things more outrageous. In some cases it works.

Two years after Doug's (Justin Bartha, who's pushed to the side) bachelor party in Vegas, Stu (Ed Helms) finds himself in love and getting married in his bride's native country of Thailand. Of course Phil, (Bradley Cooper) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are there to join. Phil initially bitches about having to travel such a long way and not having a bachelor party. Stu, still feeling it from the last time around prefers a "breakfast brunch" at their local IHOP before they leave. Eventually after they all arrive in Thailand, they decide to have one beer on the beach. Of course they wake up the next day in a dirty hotel room with no recollection of what happened the night before. This time instead of losing Doug, they lose Teddy, Stu's future brother in law.

I didn't expect Part II to be funnier than Part I and I was right. While there are a few really funny parts the movie lacks the natural flow that the original had. I found myself slightly bored during most of it because the pacing is too predictable. It follows the original's situation nearly scene for scene. Stu still has a fondness for hookers (although this provided for one of the funniest parts of the entire movie) They think they've found Teddy, only to be given someone that's not Teddy. (see Black Doug from the original film) They also bring back the ridiculously annoying Ken Jeung to reprise his role as Mr. Chow. I thought he was great in the original, now I don't find anything funny about him. He's overexposed. When I say they took a few things and tried to kick it up a notch I'm referring to the characters. Phil swears more and comes off as more of a dick. The film maker's obviously took advantage of Cooper's new leading man status by leaving the camera on him for long periods of time. Not that I'm complaining, Bradley Cooper is hot. Alan came off as strange in the first one but now he comes off as actually having some sort of mental disorder. The weird things about his character are twice as harsh. Stu remains the same, as does Doug who has absolutely nothing to do. I was hoping he would at least get to tag along for the shenanigans this time around.

Nick Cassevetas fills in for a cameo originally shot by Liam Neeson. It's definitely not as effective, I would've rather seen Neeson. The Hangover II is a funny movie, but unfortunately it will have to settle for being "not as funny as the first" and having zero creativity.

Recommended: Sure, if you liked the original. See the sequel.

Grade: C+

Memorable Quote: "Oh yeah, there are no drinks because we're in a fucking IHOP." - Phil (Bradley Cooper)