Yes, this movie will surprise you

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2010)

Admittedly, and perhaps obnoxiously, I'm one of those who would normally never see a movie like this. I haven't really liked any of the other films by the director (those I've bothered to see), and I'm not a big fan of goofy, drunken, frat-fare contemporary American comedies.
Thank goodness my roommate downloaded this one and I could see it for free. Hey, why not: I had a free Sunday morning.
I don't think either of us stopped laughing throughout the film. Ever. Which is especially surprising, as even some of the funnier movies I've seen over the years tend to wane a bit toward the third act. Suddenly, the plot really comes to the fore and the movie goes from being a comedy to being an action-packed extravaganza or a drama or a romantic farce or whatever.
Not this time. You will continue to laugh without stop, even through the credits, thanks to a hilarious photo montage.
I was elated that such a movie could be made, and that it could receive so much praise and commercial success. I have found the Apatow movies to be boring, pointless, long-winded, and annoying at best, and have been confused by their success. Thankfully, there are still movies like The Hangover that show normal guys in fantastic situations and how they cope in a realistic matrix (yes, I just used the word "matrix"--without being capitalized--in an IMDb review of The Hangover).
And I also agree that although all of the actors in the film were top-notch (even the bg guys who will fool you every time: what a terrific casting job all around), Zach Galfianakis (sp.?) is the far-and-away MVP of this film. I remember thinking from Moment One, "Goodness, if he acts like this through the whole film, the movie will already be a winner." He does, and it is (and he's not the only gem of the picture).
Kudos, Todd. You finally made one that's truly hilarious, surprisingly original (there is a lot here you WON'T see in Very Bad Things), thoughtful, well-structured, and--yes, I'll say it--even intelligent. Keep it up, we need more movies like The Hangover. Save us!