An Immediate Classic!

Rating: 10/10 (24 December 2014)

2009's The Hangover launched the careers of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifinakis and Justin Bartha, as well and revamping the career of comedy director, Todd Phillips. The four stars did star in several things before this, but where always pushed in the back and not very recognized, unless you've seen the movies many times. Todd Phillips did other classic comedies in the past such as Road Trip and Old School, but not a lot of good ones after Old School. I remember watching the trailer for this bout three times and knowing that it would be one of those typical, nowadays, dumb comedies. I actually thought this would be worse because of the lack of well-known stars. When I went to the theatres to watch it for something to do, The Hangover became one of my favourite comedies ever and one of my favourite movies in general. I was not expecting such a great flick at all.
The Hangover follows Doug (Justin Bartha), who is just about to get married and goes to have a bachelor party in Las Vegasfor the night with his two best friends (Cooper, Helms) and soon-to- be brother-in-law, Alan (Galifinakis). By morning, Doug is missing, the three boys can't remember anything and see things they did that are best kept in Vegas. When Doug is found, it is a major surprise, at first. After many watches, Doug's whereabouts become very predicable, but the laughs stay the same.
I remember watching this and thinking this was similar to Dude, Where's My Car? In that, two dudes search for their car with no memory and danger headed their way. In this three friends search for their groom with no memory and danger coming their way. But this is more serious since Dude was part sci-fi.
Since its release, The Hangover has become the benchmark and measuring stick of R-rated comedies. Because if I'm not mistaken, The Hangover is the biggest R-rated comedy ever. MacGruber, Hot Tub Time Machine and We're The Millers have all been compared in some form or another to The Hangover. I thought it was much better than MacGruber, a bit better than Hot Tub and as good as Millers. The Hangover may last as comedy's big benchmark until there's another sleeper hit.
What really makes this is the four main guys. Phil (Cooper) is a prep-school teacher who is the coolest guy of the group. Stu (Helms) is a geeky dentist and in great possession of his girlfriend. Alan is a stupid and highly immature man-child who grows attached his new friends. Doug has the least amount of screen time, but is pretty awesome when he is on screen. The chemistry and development is what makes these guys so cool. Other known stars include Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor and Mike Tyson who make the movie even better.
4/4