Big surprise

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2010)

Definitely did not expect this to be anywhere near as good as it was. The drunk buddies doing dumb stuff format is a good formula for comedy, but it has been overused. However, this movie refreshes the premise with some clever humor and innovative situations.
The three groomsmen who take their engaged friend on a wild bachelor party adventure to Vegas at first appear run of the mill stereotypes of the boozer-buddies genre. The dumb fat guy motif makes you think, "Here we go again," but they balance routine gags like that with a story that makes some roller coaster twists that usually work. As things unfold as to what actually went on during their "black-out," the plot gains more and more steam. The story is constructed well, showing believable and likable characters. In other films of this type, too often the heroes are made out to be obnoxious jerks, which ruins the humor. They really are concerned for the safety of their missing friend, for example.
Minor flaws: Tyson isn't funny, even when he mocks himself. The Asian stereotype seemed thrown in as if they felt they were obliged to do it for whatever reason. It didn't add anything to the comedy, which was already great in this film.
Hangover is probably the best comedy of this type since Animal House.