A romp

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2009)

For the first time in quite a while, the expectation built by a film's promotion equaled my final opinion of a film. In this case, I expected a romp and it is exactly what I got.
The principle actors here shine brightly. There has been quite a bit of singling out of Bradley Cooper, but all three of the principle characters; "Phil", played by the aforementioned Cooper, relationship oppressed dentist "Stu", played by The Office alum Ed Helms, and eccentric soon-to-be brother in-law "Doug", played by the always spot on Zach Galifianakis, take us on a great romp. Each plays off the other wonderfully and if any of them were not up to the task the film would have been the lessor for it.
What makes this film work when it could easily be dismissed for the way over the top scenarios that happen is that we, the audience, learn about the previous night of debauchery along with the guys as they learn about it (or more accurately "refreshed" about it). This makes the events a lot more fun because the audience shares in the emotions experienced with the guys. The plot is simple; 4 guys head to Vegas for one last party to celebrate/mourn the upcoming marriage of one of their own. But when our boys can't remember what happened when they awake the next morning, not to mention can't find the groom, things kick into high gear.
There are supporting players sprinkled through the film like Heather Graham, Mike Tyson, Ken Jeong (another scene stealing spin), Mike Epps. None of these removes you from the fun, even when Tyson enters the scene. His presence just seems to fit and makes sense given the previous night's party. Be sure and watch the ending credits for photos taken during the night that shed even more light on what went down.
The only complaint that could be leveled at the film is the anti-climatic ending. They do a great job of teetering the line of way over the top and plausible through the film. But the ending plays it safe, perhaps a bit too safe. The other complain is the waste of Justin Bartha. He plays the groom to be "Doug". His character is pretty much the straight man and is lost for most of the film with his character being lost. Bartha has shown great comic timing in previous supporting roles that it would have been nice to utilize his talents a bit more.
This is one of those films you have to go and see again because you inevitably miss something from everyone in the theater laughing. I will be seeing it again myself.