Cool News
Massawyrm has deja vu watching THE HANGOVER PART II!!!
Hola all. Massawyrm here.
There’s very little to be said about THE HANGOVER PART II that won’t be repeated time and again not only by everyone who reviews it, but by everyone who sees it. Whether you love it, hate it or come down somewhere in the middle, it is hard to ignore the fact that it is the exact same movie as the original. I don’t mean to say that it is very much like the original, but rather that it is beat for beat the very same movie. One critic recently joked that the script was written entirely with the find/replace function of Final Draft, and I’m not in any way certain that it wasn’t. For some, this will prove to be a masterstroke, a genius tactic to create a true sequel in every sense of the word; for others, like myself, it will kill what you loved about the first film.
What made THE HANGOVER so unique was that it served not only as a raunchy comedy, but as a tautly paced mystery. If you bought into the film’s premise, you were not only laughing at the madness that unfolded before your eyes, but you hung on the very edge of your seat, eager to discover the fate of the missing groom. The question of whether he was alive or dead drove that film from set piece to set piece, and added weight to every crazy thing these jokers got into. Unlike many films of its type, they weren’t after some simple McGuffin; they were looking for their friend, terrified that they would have to explain to his bride how they got him killed in Vegas. And the payoff for that film was perfect. It delivered in terms of story and it stood apart from the much more moronic fare that you typically find in the R-rated, raunchy comedy landscape.
But by repeating the original film note for note, they strip the film of that element. Eagle eyed viewers will catch all of the “gun burying” Todd Phillips and his writers are up to and have the mystery figured out in the first half hour. Worse still, lacking the tension of the first film, it hits points where it begins to drag; scenes that are supposed to be of the protagonists wrestling with the pathos of the situation play more like those of a clown pretending he doesn’t see his cohort sneaking up with a pie – even though all of the kids at the show are screaming out for him to look behind him. You know what’s coming – after all, you’ve seen this movie already – and you just wish they would get the fuck on with it.
That said, the film is just as funny as the original. Most of the jokes work, and there are at least half a dozen that will all but knock you out of your chair. And it’s hard to slam a comedy when it serves its primary purpose. Even if you end up hating this film, it will make you laugh at least of couple of times; the jokes are simply too audacious for you not to. Phillips and company took what time they would have spent writing a story (or a new mystery) and put it all into punch up. The result is a film that understands that it needs to go further than the original did in order to feel fresh, and on that count they score big. THE HANGOVER II takes all the necessary steps to be raunchier and even more debaucherous than its predecessor, and manages to serve up the same level of laughs you found in the first one.
If you’ve watched the original a number of times and wish you could watch it again with all new jokes, man are you in luck. But if your enjoyment of the first hinged upon being caught up in its story, then this will leave you wanting, despite the laughs. And it is safe to say that if you hated the original, this has nothing for you. This was a weird gamble and for me it came up short. But I laughed, and this time around that seems to be all they were going for.
Until next time friends,
Massawyrm
Readers Talkback
comments powered by Disqus-
+ Expand All
-
Your thoughts?
-
May 27, 2011, 7:30 a.m. CST
Massawyrm didn't say 'smoke 'em if you got 'em' at the end
by Bobo_Vision
Is this part of some new anti-smoking agenda and an effort to be more conscious of the health habits that AICN promotes since smoking plus the morbid obesity already afflicting many talkbackers could cause them to croak within a decade?
-
May 27, 2011, 7:31 a.m. CST
That said, that's all I needed to hear to make me go see this film
by Bobo_Vision
I haven't seen the original in a long time and have forgotten all the jokes, but I enjoyed it. So I will probably dig this.....we'll see...
-
May 27, 2011, 7:37 a.m. CST
Holy Crap Bobo.... maybe this one isn't even smoke-worthy?
by Nomoredirtyanything
-
Ya know, sometimes more of a good thing, is in fact a good thing. The Hangover is definitely one of my favorite comedies of all time, so a second helping of the same platter is certainly embraced imo.
-
...that copying the first one is the point? Who is walking into The Hangover II looking for a taut thriller or great mystery? The first one wasn't either one of those things. There was no mystery; you knew Doug was alive and you knew they would find him just in time. As long as it's funny the movie works. I haven't seen it yet but I imagine that I will like it just fine because I loved the comedy of the first one.
-
How early you saw it in its run. I thought the trailer for the original Hangover looked like shit to begin with, so I held off about a month. However, after a month of hearing how hilarious it was, I decided to give it a shot. At that point, the intial Austin Powers II "This is going to be the FUNNIEST movie I've ever SEEN!!" hysteria had started to wear off, and Hangover was being judged by its own merits. Which of course is a problem, since as most people over the age of 19 have learned by watching it on DVD and not in a crowded theater, Hangover isnt actually funny. The half hour from Mike Tyson through that horrendously un-funny Ed Helms tiger song, it was dead silence. You could have heard a cricket chirp in the back of the theater. Its the "Creed Theory": When you are the only game in town (Creed with hard rock in the late 90's, Hangover with comedy that summer), you can make a mint, even if you arent actually any good.
-
and stopped. I've heard that it's repetitive, but if it is as funny, I won't care. Some of us just want to go see a movie like this and laugh. Maybe I'll pick up on the same negative thoughts every reviewer has, but I don't want to go in pre-programmed to hate it because it's too similar.
-
You might want to actually read the review next time.
-
But ended up laughing at maybe one or two things. I couldn't believe how many people were telling me it was the funniest movie they had ever seen. Right around the same time, I saw The Goods, and couldn't believe that movie wasn't as big. Maybe it's just me.
-
If not, then I'm not interested.
-
And to act like they're better than everyone start talking about how it's not as good. The people who saw it opening weekend were pleasantly surprised and the people who saw it months later went in with a chip on their shoulder entitled "best comedy of the year? yeah right." Contrarians the lot of ya.
-
...it's the funniest shit I've seen in a long time. Funnier than part one, IMO. Go see it. AICN didn't get an advanced screening at the Alamo, so their reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt.
-
the_closet_nerd pointed out how The Goods came and went with little fanfare. The scene with Will Ferrell dressed like Lincoln with a dildo filled parachute was one of the funniest things i saw that year.
-
I wasn't criticizing you, don't get upset... I just don't want to be influencened more than I already have. I'll come back and read it, I just want to go in, let go and laugh. Worrying about repetitiveness and story in a movie like this just doesn't matter to me. Starting off, that was right were you were going. I'm going to see this because I want to laugh, not see some kind of oscar contender, so I don't really care about all that stuff that most reviewers are focused on. I'm not reading anymore reviews until after I see it. If it gets ruined after the fact, then that's fine. I've heard it's really funny, and I'm excited about that and don't want it ruined by mostly negative reviews that seem to focus on how similar it is. Sorry if you got offended by that. I'll come back later and critique your review and give you as much positive feedback on your words as i can.... fair?
-
Give me a fucking break. Listen. I love The Hangover. I've seen it more times than is probably healthy. But a taut mystery? Please. Anyone who actually thought the groom might be dead was a moron. It was a summer comedy. The entire premise was only funny because you knew it would work out in the end. Any other ending would make the movie downright sinister. What drove the movie was the hilarious performances, one-liners, and set-pieces, not some bullshit contrived mystery. I imagine people who liked the first movie will enjoy this movie just to see the characters interact again and see some more toilet humor and T&A. Expectign anything else from this would be pitifully self-delusional and deafeating the purpose.
-
The problem is her tits don't look as good as they did in like, Boogie Nights. They've shriveled a bit. That's disappointing. Still nice, but not as spectacular.
-
i'm so sick of people acting like god damned politicians. as if qualifying your love for a shitty unfunny movie somehow justifies a criticism of a formulaic sequel, when in fact it is just the opposite. liking the first Hangover means you have no credibility AT ALL.
-
May 27, 2011, 8:31 a.m. CST
Heather Graham's ass must have left a permanent imprint on the ol' casting couch
by Bobo_Vision
That's the only thing that can explain her career.
-
They could make 20 of those movies and I would see every one.
-
Fuck what the chick-flickers have to say about it.
-
Always love to hear you on the /filmcast.
-
I'm gonna make your wish of being CHOPPED come true. a true professional would be able to write a coherent review of XMEN with their scrote in someones mouth. But this is Ginger fat-ass we are talking about. He obviously hasnt seen it yet or Fox didnt give him the lifesize Cerebro-modified wheelchair he's been begging for. Dont bring a knife to a CHOPfight. CHOPPED.
-
Wow....$15 and sitting through 15 minutes of commercials and a 90 minute movie so I can laugh two times. Somehow I don't think it's worth it. The first one wasn't that good and this one is clearly worse so I'll pass.
-
May 27, 2011, 9:20 a.m. CST
I really want this to fail because it is a crass attempt by Hollywood to repeat the commercial success of the first
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
That said, I know it will be a huge success. Not because people are stupid, but because the bar for what passes for comedy in films these days is set so low. The studio execs and Todd Phillips were so concerned with repeating the success of the first film that they literally made the same film not leaving anything to chance. I too, enjoyed the first although not as enthusiastically as most. Despite what some claim it is NOT the Second Coming of Caddyshack. But, the only reason I would want to see a sequel would be to spend more time with the characters who made me laugh. That said, I don't need to see them in the exact same situations, but was actually looking forward to seeing how they react to new ones. As I said already, it is so obvious that the filmmakers did not want to mess with a winning formula and they took that to its most cynical conclusion. That said, I'm sure I will be dragged by my friends to see this soon and I'm sure I will laugh big, because big laughs on the big screen are hard to come by these days.
-
I am not seeing the second one because the first one sucked balls. The ending is given away as soon as the valet or whoever says "the only way to get the mattress is up there is to throw it off the roof". Wow, now that someone mentions it wouldn't it be funny if after the whole caper their friend was right where they started, full circle, etc etc? I mean, they didn't have a mattress when they took those shots, so I know they went back there. If the second is even more obvious than that, it must be REALLY obvious. The kid is probably safe at home or something. The humor also failed with me. The attempt at comedy was "something random/outrageous will happen". After a while, it just wore on me. "Oh there is something in the trunk.I know for a fact, given every joke in this movie so far, it will be something random, and not something clever based on an earlier experience. Therefore I am not even going to try and guess or have any expectations (both a key part of forming a humorous situation). Oh, a naked asian man. Ok. Next." Except for Galfianikis who had some good lines/mannersims, I didn't really laugh.
-
bull. shit. get a sense of humor, for god's sake. and a pulse.
-
"The first Hangover worked as a tautly paced mystery" "It's the exact same movie... with all new jokes" "It SEEMS this time around all they were going for were laughs" LOL
-
Hollywood comedies have been shite for the last decade.
-
May 27, 2011, 12:49 p.m. CST
I liked the HANGOVER. I just don't like the people that liked the HANGOVER.
by 3D-Man
Which apparently means I don't like myself. Guess I should seek out some therapy.
-
Still a very funny film, despite the fact that it was the same story. I had low expectations, but I had a fun time.
-
Was slightly enjoyable, but I never really laughed that much, unfortunately I must see this in the theatre as everyone I know was in live with the first one, there have been far better comedies in recent memory, Get him to the Greek springs to mind.
-
Can anyone spoil the photo that Ebert said Todd Phillips should never have included in the end credits for me? I don't plan to see the movie until DVD and I'm too damn curious.
-
That's the way I feel about all Todd Phillips movies.
-
I thought this was the place to find people that won't pay cinema prices to shut their brains off? Effing hypocrites. Weren't all of you sooo offended by the stereotypical jokes and crude humor...omg call the police.
-
LOVED IT! so whoever said that can fuck off. if its as funny as the first im excited as hell. and massa did you honestly think in the first movie he was jus gonna end up dead?
-
May 27, 2011, 9:04 p.m. CST
Does anybody know a sequel to a hit comedy that was actually...
by Orbots Commander
...as good as the original, or better? Because they almost never are; comedies are unique in that way, and very hard to pull off. And extrapolating, a third Hangover probably turns out to be the biggest piece of shit of its particular year.
-
The second one is putrid shit. Pure and simple.
-
May 28, 2011, 4:46 p.m. CST
YEAH I SAW EVERYTHING FROM A MILE AWAY...STILL ENJOYABLE THOUGH (SPOILERS)
by Meadowe
The best parts imo were the ones that had no part 1 counterpart (that I can remember). Cooper at Helms' office trying to sneak out with a prescription pad ("was this brushing against your scrotum?" "yeah") and some other parts. Chow (spl?) and galafawhogivesa%$! are still annoying as hell, and as soon as they were with that azn stripper asking about the night before I thought "that bitch has a di9%" and I was right. Whereas the first one where they figure out where doug was made sense, this time they were really stretching out when helms figures out where teddy is. When zach is mean-mugging teddy for being a fifth wheel to the wolf pack, part of me is thinking maybe teddy will reveal to either be a dumbass that starts all the trouble or a badass that is hiding under the wool of an innocent 16 year old pre med student. btw speaking of him being a pre med student, I personally thought it was funny that when zach learns teddy is pre med at the airport, he brings up dougie howser (spl?) md, and how he turned up "being a gay." Personally i can barely remember hangover 1 but yeah this felt more of the same, just sub bangkok for vegas and an azn chick for Sasha Barrese and a baby for a monkey. When tyson shows up at the end I was hoping that tyson would intro someone else (billy joel or somebody) but yeah he's not as funny here as he was doing phil collins and that famous air drum solo. the tattoo artist played by Cassavettes (spl) was coo' cuz I liked him from the Wraith and as gina gershon's bro in face off, but unless they had special lines specifically for Liam Neeson or Mel Gibson, i don't see how it could've been any funnier. the only cameos I can think of are giamatti as a "crime lord" and tyson, but personally I was kinda sad that when they were in zach's room you can prominently see some old school posters of the late great Randy Savage aka macho man...I was hoping against hope that maybe he filmed a super secret cameo before doing a flying elbow drop for Jesus and that they didn't mention it so as to not seem crass, but seeing that poster was enough I guess. but yeah, if they had just been more original and not followed p1 beat by beat it would've been better, as it is I kinda wished we saw potc instead.
-
May 28, 2011, 6:31 p.m. CST
Here's what they're not telling you in all these "just like the first" reviews
by JackSlater4
All the stuff that isn't a redo is very subtle and will be even funnier with repeat viewings.
-
Which was funny but nowhere near the best thing Apatow was ever involved with which someone around here prev claimed. The worst episode of Freaks and Geeks was better than Bridesmaids.
-
Did you really dig on Bridesmaids...or is your gal just standing behind you whilst ya type? If so...I feel ya. Heh heh heh. Seriously though...the reason I ask...I saw it...& agree with ya...it wasn't Aps best...& I did think it was funny...but it was almost uncomfortable to watch at certain points. The most uncomfortable being the Bridesmaids bash & the demolition of the cookie & stuff. Don't get me wrong...it was funny...but sumpin about it just dint sit right with me on certain parts. As a whole it was hillarious...the "Big Girl/Air Marshall" bit was priceless.
-
I saw this today and it was frickin hilarious. Watched Bridesmaids a couple of weeks ago and laughed twice. But Bridesmaids is getting great reviews and this is getting mediocre reviews.
-
And came back and read Wyrm's review like I said I would. Glad I steered away from this and other reviews, as they all had this negative tone that would have dragged me down. The movie was funny as shit, and I was beyond pleased. They definitely upped the ante with this one. I get what wyrm is saying.. but I didn't leave the first one with this transformative experience that he seemed to... How this can ruin the first boggles me. This isn't Star Wars for god's sake. The criticism about it being beat for beat the same film is dead on. I probably disagree with Wyrm on why I didn't like that aspect, though. As funny as this movie was, it could have been even funnier if it were a bit more unpredictable. There's elements and characters that you want to see included, but there should have been some new characters to add to this ensemble, or replace/augment what some of the players from the first one did. Chow. Great to have him there, but it would have been bettert to get a new character to fill his role from the first film. Kind of the same as Zack G, really. Great character that you can't leave out, but he's quickly becoming the next Jack Black. He has a brand of humor that is unique to him, but recognizable in just about every role he does, and its impact on this film is lessened. The photos at the end, Stu singing a song about their predicament.. that's all ok to me as nostalgic elements of a potential emerging franchise, and warranted repeating. But they just copied too much I don't know.. so much to love about this sequel, for sure. But I feel they missed an opportunity to make it even funnier.
-
Same fucking movie, just amped up in some areas.
-
May 28, 2011, 10:38 p.m. CST
and NO, Brides Maids is a HELL of a lot better then the Hangover 2
by Nick
-
was funnier...gonna see that again.
-
But really you thought it was a mystery and you was hanging on the edge of your seat???? I prefered to sit back and laugh my arse off enjoying the shenanigans knowing full well they were going to find him alive, from the moment they started looking for him.
-
I didnt see it in theaters but got the DVD after its release and viewed it. It was generally funny and I had a laugh or two. But I didnt think it was the burst out loud, laugh inducing movie it seems many thought it was. I thought it was a sometimes clever, sometimes crude, slightly above mediocre story. Not breaking down the doors to see its sequel anytime soon though. Just M.O.
Top Talkbacks
-
HERCULES ON THE RADIO!!
Learn What Ain’t It Cool’s TV Critic Thinks About The New WOLVERINE Trailer, Soderbergh’s CANDELABRA, FURIOUS 6, HANGOVER III, EPIC, GAME OF THRONES, MAD MEN And More!! Listen And Call In LIVE Saturday 8pm PT/11pm ET!! -- 129 total posts 39 posts - MAN OF STEEL TV Spot #6 - I give up, I'm just dying to see this thing! -- 228 total posts 34 posts
- Capone believes that FAST & FURIOUS 6 is the best in a bizarre, crowded franchise!!! -- 149 total posts 13 posts
- Universal may not have a new JURASSIC PARK, but Fox has WALKING WITH DINOSAURS 3D due this Christmas!!! -- 13 total posts 13 posts
- Roland Emmerich unleashes a symphony of elements in this BTS Featurette of WHITE HOUSE DOWN!!! -- 6 total posts 6 posts
- New trailer for Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara's upcoming western, AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS!! -- 80 total posts 4 posts
- The Friday Docback Revisits DOCTOR WHO Season 7!! A Fuller Review Of 'The Name of the Doctor,' And More!! -- 105 total posts 3 posts
- Spoilery early review of MAN OF STEEL!! -- 518 total posts 3 posts
- Capone makes the case that THE HANGOVER PART III is neither a comedy nor a movie!!! -- 94 total posts 3 posts
- New MAN OF STEEL trailer makes me happy that Superman has severe red eye!!! -- 809 total posts 3 posts