The Hangover Part II

The Hangover Part II
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Mason Lee
Rated R
Director: Todd Phillips

Phil, Stu, Doug and Alan set off to Thailand for Stu’s Wedding however what’s starts as a Bachelor Brunch soon doesn’t go according to plan.

After coming back from Vegas , Stu (Ed Helms) opts for a subdued Bachelor Brunch as not to revisit the road they all went down in Vegas, Unfortunately for Stu similar Hi Jinx ensue when the Wolfpack Stu, Alan (Galifianakas) and Phil (Cooper) wake up in the seedy underbelly of Bangkok with no clue what happened the night before and a future brother in law gone missing.

If you loved the original Hangover you are going to Like part II its essentially the same film with all major plot points updated for a story to be set in Bangkok rather than Vegas. Its as if they are working off the original script a thesaurus and a desperate attempt to one up the original. Missing tooth replace with Face Tattoo, Stolen tiger replace with stolen monkey. Missing Groom, replaced with missing brother in law, Last minute ride in a car to the alter replaced by last minute boat ride to the alter, Ken Jeung’s ridiculously tiny penis is irreplaceable so it’s more full frontal from Ken.

Much as in the original the funniest part is the ending when pictures reveal what shenanigans fully took place. There are some funny moments to be found in the Part II though they lack the shock factor and charm of the first. Its tough to be able to repeat the original and keep it fresh so Philips decided to just redo what worked unfortunately what made the Original so good was that it took place in Vegas which made it relatable, while the sequel takes place in Bangkok losing that frame of reference.
While Hangover Part II will be wildly successful it ultimately suffers the issues so many sequels do which is rather than try to be original and its own film it tries to turn the volume up and one up the original. It’s the same film but less enjoyable. Funny but not overly funny, enjoyable but less than memorable.

Grade: -80