A ‘Hangover' that doesn't even hurt

flick

Friday, July 3, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Warner Bros. Pictures Zach Galifianakis, left, and Ed Helms star in the buddy comedy, "The Hangover." E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Two days before Doug (Justin Bartha) gets married, he sets out with his best friends Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms), along with his soon to be brother-in-law Andy (Zach Galifianakis) to the only place worthy of hosting a bachelor party: Las Vegas.

Initially, the characters seem predictable. Phil is the married man who regrets ever saying "I do."

The high-strung, henpecked Stu constantly checks in with his overbearing girlfriend, and Andy is simply clueless. But the actors make sure their characters go beyond the stereotypes.

After a night of debauchery, the boys wake up to find their hotel suite trashed and Doug missing. Rather than take the straightforward approach, simply detailing a night in Vegas, "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" screenwriters Jon Lucas and Scott Moore take a more creative spin. The guys retrace their steps, attempting to piece together last night's events.

Director Todd Phillips captures the dynamic of his earlier hits "Road Trip" and "Old School," with unpredictable twists and mishaps including a tiger in the bathroom and Mike Tyson singing along to Phil Collins.

The film earns its R rating in just about every conceivable way, but except for some vomiting, vulgarity is kept to a minimum. Fortunately, the trailers only hint at the numerous laughs.

This is one hangover that's all about a good time with no messy headache the next morning.

The Hangover

Comedy. Length: R. Length: 105 minutes. Director: Todd Phillips. Cast: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Epps