The Hangover Part III Review

The Hangover Part III Review

Director: Todd Phillips

Cast Headliners: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifinakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong

Original Release Date: May 23, 2013

         At long last, the long, spread-out-over-years, and complex Hangover franchise has reached its conclusion. The Hangover III re-unites the Wolfpack once again.  Things seem normal at first and it seems as if the stage is set for another “re-paint” of the usual formula, but things change.  A common criticism of the second film, which I agree with, is that it was The Plot of Hangover 1: Asia Edition.  Many of the same story twists and even jokes were re-used, and in a mostly inferior and senseless way.   Luckily, this film is different.

            Alan (Zach Galifinakis), Doug(Justin Bartha), Stu(Ed Helms), and Phil (Bradley Cooper) face a comedic adventure which is truly more of an adventure this time. The film makes a conscious effort to be the most “serious” yet, with a vibe and pacing more akin to an action thriller than a slapstick comedy. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if it was in satire or in seriousness, but it actually worked for the most part.  Sometimes I felt actual emotion and tension (lolwut?) Instead of a usual “waking up from a hangover” (hence the name, though a stay to partway through the credits for a shockingly hilarious classic style scene is recommended) the structure is one of heist and revenge.  John Goodman as Marshall is the most real and biggest threat the boys have faced yet, and the things he does make things even more thrilling than last time.    We all know the true mastermind is Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong), and some of his best stuff ever is in the Hangover 3. The return to Vegas by the end of the movie was as mart move too, a perfect playground for everyone’s favorite Asian playboy.

            The majority of the laughs come from Chow and Alan aka pretty much Zach Galifinakis under a character name. These two super best friends yet also arch nemeses (it makes sense in context) are hilarious with most of everything they say and do. In comparison, Stu’s freakout’s are worn out and one can really forget that Doug (duh!) and even Phil are there. I think Bradley Cooper was pretty under-used this time, especially because when he was involved he was funny.

            The problem with the Hangover 3 isn’t that it’s idiotic or silly, which is to be expected. The problem is in that much of the humor involves simple cameos and references to past events. A person who hasn’t seen the first two films wouldn’t be appreciating many of the gags and characters in this, so as a standalone film it doesn’t have much support.  Some of the jokes are so stupid that they aren’t even funny in a stupid way. But, there are some great laughs to be had. And hidden under all those laughs is a speck of emotion and adventure which has always been there for a series which has fused surreal insanity and gritty realism.  I think fans disappointed with 2 will enjoy this one better, I sure did. It won’t change the world or anything, but at least it’s good to see the gang’s story reach a at least decent conclusion.  7.75 out of 10