Bottom Line
Proving to be completely pointless, this un-funny sequel simply rehashes the plot of the first film, while being more cruel-minded and lacking the crazy "WTF" moments that made the mystery element of the first film so engrossing.
The Good
Stu, Phil and Allen wake up in Bangkok to another hangover and have no idea what happened the night before. As they set about finding out what happened to them on their wild night out, they discover that they got themselves in to more trouble than they imagined. The first Hangover film was a smash hit because it provided the right amount of crazy comedy combined with a great cast that had good chemistry together. On the latter point, this sequel still manages to come through in some ways with the three leads proving to be just as watchable as they were in the first film. Ed Helms, who for all intents and purposes should be the straight guy, seems to generate the most laughs as he freaks out at every new twist and turn, particularly in the scene where he realises he had a rather strange night with a Thai hooker. Bradley Cooper is solid as the pretty boy Phil who tries to keep everything together. And Zach Galifianakis does well to bring his nutty portrayal of Allen to life and has some funny moments. The film certainly looks good, and seems to take advantage of the locale of Bangkok quite well. A late appearance by Paul Giamatti as a gangster who turns out to be more than that is a nice touch, as does a cameo by Mike Tyson in the finale. Perhaps the best part of the film is the drug-dealing monkey who acts as a courier between supplier and buyer. If anything, this film reminds you how good the first film was.
The Bad
There is no reason for this film to exist, other than to make money. The film shamelessly rehashes the plot of the first film, but changes the setting to Bangkok. Basically, you have already seen everything already. The first time someone tells you a funny joke, it's funny. The second time someone tells you the same joke, but with a few minor details changed, it's not funny. Once you take those elements out, this sequel makes it even harder on itself by not utilising the "WTF" moments that made the first film so funny. With one notable exception, all the 'surprise' moments feel tired, for the simple reason that they are hitting all the same beats from the first film. Another problem is that the jokes seem to be more cruel this time around. Instead of a tooth getting pulled out, this time a finger gets chopped off. The revelation that Allen spiked them again appears more stupid and unforgivable this time; and given that the trio did not intend to have a big night out like they did in the first film, their antics seem more desperate than funny. The boys wanted to have a 'bad boy' night out in the first film; here, it happens by accident and this change robs the film of any zest for the simple reason that you feel more sorry for them rather than laughing with their situation. In short, watch the first film, enjoy it, and try to imagine that this film does not exist.
Review: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/filmreviewthehangoverpartii.htm.
Todd Murphy is a staff reviewer at the film/DVD review web site, http://www.allaboutmovies.net/ - for all the latest reviews on the newest releases.
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