Hangover, The

When “Old School” came out it was somewhat of a surprise just how good and original and funny it actually was. At that time, Will Ferrell was largely untested as a movie star and “Old School” launched him into the stratosphere. Vince Vaughn was somewhat washed up but returned hard to his comedy roots and was awesome. Owen Wilson’s only quality work was in Wes Anderson films up to that point. The story also put a fresh spin on the worn-out frat house comedy. There were so many moments in that film that made it an instant classic. The latest from director Todd Phillips and the comedic successor to “Old School” in every way is the new film “The Hangover.”

“The Hangover” is about four friends that embark on the Vegas bachelor party to end all Vegas bachelor parties. The problem is that they wake up the next day and can’t remember any of it, their hotel suite is completely trashed, and the groom happens to be missing. The three friends are forced to deduce the events of the previous night in order to find the fourth member of their group with unexpected comic results. Like Ferrell, Vaughn and Wilson before them, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms create memorable characters and deliver outstanding comic performances; Galifianakis in particular. While he is better known for his extremely funny alternative standup comedy, Galifianakis does amazing things with his character and has many of the films best lines. The trio is outstanding together and the rest of the film is populated by a cast of madcap characters. The film is perfectly structured, and it would have to be or it just wouldn’t make any sense. Despite the superfluous montage of Las Vegas hotels as the characters enter the city, the film is full of many interesting shots that go beyond what you would expect in a comedy. The music in the film also adds the perfect comedic touch to each scene.

This film is so great in so many ways, and like “Old School” is an instant classic. It holds up to repeat viewings because it’s so funny that the mystery of the bachelor party is ancillary to the hilarious dialogue. This film will be hard to top and is definitely the funniest film of the year so far. As long as Todd Phillips keeps making original movies and launching comedy careers there will be big screen comedies worth watching. While “Old School” may have been a surprise hit, there was no surprise with “The Hangover;” it was destined for greatness and it delivered in the best way.