The paradox of a sequel

Rating: Null/10 (30 May 2011)

Following up on a outrageous success is a daunting task for any director and its a dilemma quite simply called "sequel". Most of the watchers in this case belong to the category of "C'mon, its the hangover...its funny, what more do you expect?" Many who would care to critique would say its not as good as the first, and a few would love it even more and watch it again. Its a fork on the road for most directors when it comes to sequels unless you are the maker of Godfather 2 and there is a reason for that. A sequel could be continuation of a web already weaved by the story or it could be using the same framework to tell a new story. The later is more difficult if you care about success and applause.
Hangover 2 belongs to the second category of sequels and Todd Philips has done a good job of staying true to the spirit and theme. He could easily have used his imagination to build new characters or offer new situations which you bet would have been like buying a lottery ticket. The movie is smart and sticks to a model of success created by the first hangover. For most people who complain its the same as first, they would have thrown more stones had it been a new story and a wash. At the end of the day what makes hangover worth watching is the characters we loved in one.
The characters use the ramp up from one and they are likable as well as funny. Zack as Alan proves its not a one hit wonder while Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms are spot on! Mr Chow could have used some sharper editing but overall the movie sticks to a tight story without aberration. Mike Tyson could have taken a pass along with some other scenes which make you wonder the sky has been reached if that is the limit. The song by Ed Helms in the boat....yes an original again is a nice touch which reminds of hangover one and how funny these characters are.
Thailand is not as good as Vegas and as with any sequel, it is a paradox of choice which is worthy of a watch!