The Hangover: A Good Hair of the Dog

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2009)

If some good, clean fun is what you're after, The Hangover is not the film for you. The film will, however, deliver two out of three (minus "clean").
Director Todd Phillips (Old School, Starsky & Hutch) offers as much raunch, wit and general shock value in his newest comedy as the typical laugh seeker could ask for, and though The Hangover doesn't quite reach the same level of true humor as Old School, it comes close.
The film centers around the aftermath of a Vegas bachelor party, the events of which unfold as the celebrants – sans the missing groom to be – investigate their nocturnal circumstances in order to find their friend amidst the worst hangovers of their lives. What they find far surpasses the embarrassing photo or puke-stained clothes that usually accompany the day after woes of a night of bad decisions.
Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms deliver solid comedic performances, but it's the uniquely odd yet amusing qualities of Zach Galifianakis' performance that transform the film into the laugh-out-loud movie it is. A supporting role of bubbly Heather Graham also brings the film some charm.
Watch for appearances by Mike Tyson; Matt Walsh, Bryan Callen and Dan Finnerty (some of Phillips' staples); and Mr. Phillips himselfall of which add an extra "hey!" factor to the keen observer.
The Hangover doesn't breach the cosmic levels of comedic genius we always hope for, but it makes for an amusing evening. Worth full price.