Deja vu all over again for the Wolfpack.

Rating: 7/10 (29 May 2011)

"The Hangover" was one of the best comedies of 2009. While the plot had similarities to 'Dude Where's My Car,' it proved a far superior beast and the sequel was hotly anticipated. Director Todd Phillips has taken the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' mantra to the extreme, as "The Hangover Part II" is virtually a shot-for-shot remake of the original. While it may be easy to write it off as cynically cashing in on the first film's success, the sequel is quite enjoyable with references to the first movie and a few 'here we go again' in-jokes.
The plot this time concerns Stu (Ed Helms) who is getting married in Thailand to Lauren (Jamie Chung). After his plans for a quiet bachelor brunch are thwarted, 'The Wolfpack' of Phil (Bradley Cooper), Doug (Justin Bartha) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis – who only increases his whiny man-child characterisation) travel to Thailand for the wedding. After an awkward pre-wedding function, they lose Lauren's prodigal little brother Teddy (Mason Lee) – Bangkok has him now - and wake up in a dilapidated Bangkok hotel with a monkey and Mr. Chou (Ken Jeong) who steals every scene he's in and is the highlight of the movie.
If you're after character development, you won't find it here, but that's not the point. "Part II" is all about big laughs, some gross out humour (mainly Stu's unfortunate encounter with a Bangkok stripper) and plenty of action thrown in for good measure.
While some may criticise "Part II" for a lack of originality, or outright laziness, if you leave your cynicism at the door, "Part II" is an enjoyable night out at the movies.