Remembering The Night That Was

Rating: Null/10 (4 June 2009)

The Hangover
For those of you who are looking for a low-brow summer comedy with offensive jokes relating to babies, overweight men, testicles, drugs, hookers, strippers, immigrants, dentists, Las Vegas, and Mike Tyson than 'The Hangover' is the right movie for you. Directed by Todd Phillips of 'Old School' fame, he brings back classic characters from his claim to fame; the infamous wedding singer returns as well as the guy looking for the 'gang bang'; to shed light on the history of this genre of comedy that some producers and audiences can't get enough of. This movie is no exception, it pushes the limitations of its audience with its humor, both physical and verbal, from the hilarious mannerisms of Alan (Zach Galifianakis) to great writing and pacing of a night that nobody can remember.
It all starts with a wedding, followed by a flashback which begins with the bachelors Alan, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and the groom to be Doug (Justin Bartha) driving to Las Vegas for one last night of fun at Caesar's Palace. Each character carries excess baggage with them (Phil is looking to escape his mundane life as a teacher, husband, and father; Stu is dating a possessive woman that monitors his every move; Alan is a hazard to be around in general; and Doug is getting married). Their plan is to just have fun and forget about where they came from and this comes back to them full circle because they get drugged before the night begins and can't remember any of the events that took place or where to find Doug. This is the premise for the film, but the flashbacks are limited to security tapes and photos that act as the refresher for the three remaining members.
They go on a wild goose chase to a hospital, wedding chapel, sketchy motel, police precinct, impound lot, casino floor, and the dessert looking for Doug. They encounter doctors, police officers, strippers, a baby, a tiger, Mike Tyson, and a Chinese dignitary. But all of this is a blur to them and they make fools of themselves in the process trying to piece the night together, but it is all in vain as the trio only puts together a time-line of events and can't decipher when are where their friend disappeared. They make fun of themselves, each other, those around them, and by those around them along the way; bringing to life their personalities and giving hope to solving their problems back home along the way which adds to the humor of the storyline.
Each character has their own subliminal conquest when entering Las Vegas, they don't solve it when they leave but living through the night of their lives sheds light on their current situation causing each of them to appreciate the things that they have, or don't have, even more when they go back home. In their attempt for a night of fun they overcome their backgrounds and are considered equals when it comes to their memory. While searching for their friend they learn things about themselves that weren't quite clear prior to their trip and are able to bring all of their past problems to the surface. However, no real solution is devised for any of them or their problems, but they return to California changed men for the better.
'The Hangover' shouldn't be viewed as a comedy or and coming of age story,as it gets played out as. Rather, look at the film as a guidebook for what goes into a man's head. Not everyone has experienced a night like this, nor will many have a chance at it, so use the film as a vehicle to explore the unknown and take notes on what one should and should not do along the way.
I don't want to spoil the ending so I'll cut myself off here and leave you with a plea to see the movie with an open mind and a plan. The open mind will make the jokes more amusing, especially since they all come out of nowhere. The plan is for how you can avoid these situations with future bachelor parties or trips to Las Vegas. If nothing else see this movie so you know what to avoid when experiencing one of these two.