Review: The Hangover Part II

There’s an old saying that goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. It is a philosophy that suggests one is better off remaining in his comfort zone, rather than trying something bold, risky but potentially more rewarding.

This is exactly what Todd Philips has done with the follow-up to his boozer comedy and from a strictly objective point of view Hangover Part II is not what a film critic would call a worthy sequel. Instead of expanding on the premise of its already legendary predecessor, it is unashamedly content with mimicking it. In fact, some sections of the film even look like a shot for shot remake of part one. The opening credits (this time showcasing a dingy Bangkok) are accompanied for a second time by a foreboding Danzig tune, Ed Helms’ Stu improvises one of his self-pitying songs at the halfway mark and the film closes yet again with a photo montage of the central trio’s inebriated shenanigans. Hell, Mike Tyson even manages to pop up for another superfluous cameo.

So originality is not Philips’ strong suit and from the looks of it, he’s not one for restraint either. Not satisfied with having a baby masturbate in the first movie, the director unleashes all sorts of scandalous, barf-inducing mayhem on the wolfpack this time round. Which is a shame in a way, because it suggests Philips’ may be under the illusion that The Hangover’s success was dictated mainly by the numerous taboos it broke, and not by the terrific chemistry between its three leads. Any film student knows that usually a well-timed comedic response is enough to prompt some genuine laughter, rather than opting for a scatological gag.

Yet despite all these flaws The Hangover Part II manages to rise above college humour indignity. Why? Well, the afore-mentioned chemistry, for starters. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and the ever alacritous Zach Galifianakis are still a riotous joy to watch, whether they are piecing together clues to little effect or awkwardly stumbling upon the scenes of their drunken crimes. Most importantly, the film is funny. Not the Golden Globe-winning triumph the first one was by any means, but still a good laugh-fest. Going into too much detail would lessen the experience but it’s safe to say that monks, strippers, Paul Giamatti and a chain-smoking monkey are involved (now there’s an unusual sentence).

Nevertheless, it would be best if Philips decides to retire these much-adored characters before audiences grow tired of them. After all, there are only so many hangovers we can endure.

3/5