The Hangover was truly a game changer in comedy business recently. It was hilarious, a great script complemented with fresh ideas, and of course, those R-rated scenes. A rare film which kept us thinking what is happening in that 'blank timeline', without losing its funny and unpredictable plot. The power of Hangover lies in the trio of Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis). Each person comes out its own distinctive character, always come together, and separating it's not an option. $400 million in box-office, a sequel is highly anticipated. 2 years later, the same creator and director, Todd Phillips answers our summer movie wish, but does the new adventure live up the hype?
Unfortunately, Hangover 2 in my opinion is not as great as I have expected before. The same creative team seems like just re-uses and recycles the whole concept from the first one, and put it in Bangkok. To call it lazy sequel perhaps an understatement, but somehow it surely can't escape the repetition fact. But again, if the story changes, they might as well can't keep the 'Hangover' title, could they?
Storyline is the almost remain the same, no further introduction to the characters, since most of them are back.Heather Graham is a big loss, but Jamie Chung is a proper replacement though. Our lovely dentist, Stu is going down to the aisle with his hot girlfriend, Lauren (Chung), and he tries his best to avoid the same disaster couple of years. Wedding party held in Thailand, Alan's utter jealousy toward Teddy, Lauren's brother, father in-law is totally a jerk, all combined as pre-disaster ingredients for havoc. As stupid as it is, the night before the big day just turns out to be another un-recalled memories. (Smart enough, Doug, the missing guy from the first movie, managed to avoid it).
Actually, I kinda like that they move setting into Thailand, and Bangkok in particular. Things of course are less glamourous and messier, including the culture clash (which is heavily exploited). Drugs, monkey courier, Mr. Chow's John Thomas a.k.a dick, transvertite stripper, even monks are put into the mix of this catastrophy R-rated journey. When I mention R-rated, I'm telling you Hangover 2 is pretty close to the limit boundary. Some of Alan's antics and treatment to the old monk is pretty daring, or even insulting. And for those who haven't heard or seen Thai she-male thingy, well, it's learning and knowing time, folks!
Overall, I still enjoy the funny and hilarious moments, which is the main menu. The surprising elements perhaps are a bit predictable, but they still bring out laughters. Chow gets bigger role, and the inclusive of Paul Giamatti as Kingsley, the mob, was spot on. Too bad, the over hyped tattoo artist cameo did not amuse me (from Mel Gibson, Liam Neeson, to Nick Cassavetes, who is he??). Mason Lee is a good addition as the missing Teddy. Again, there's another wasteful cameo in the end, which I won't spoil it here (He should be banned from the next sequel!).
In conclusion, Todd Phillips is basically creating the same thing, except what was fresh and surprising in Las Vegas turns out to be a bit dull and predictable in Bangkok. I don't blame him though, since I think the same recipe proves to be working (it garnered $138 million in first week). Bottom line, did I laugh? Yes surely, although I was hoping a smarter and inspired storyline. In the end, you might still enjoy rewatching previous Hangover over and over again, but that's not the case with the second one.
My Review: 7.0/10
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