The Wolf Pack is up to its old hijinks, but this time they are globetrotting all the way to Thailand. Unfortunately, the wolves are now a much more neutered versions of their wild selves.
“The Hangover Part II” takes place two years after the unforgettable night that no one remembered. Stu (Ed Helms) is now the man looking to take the dive into marriage in beautiful Thailand. Of course, his entourage, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Doug (Justin Bartha) and the socially clueless Alan (Zack Galifianakis) are swiftly in tow. Hoping not to have a repeat of Las Vegas, Stu opts for the group to sit down for a quiet brunch, but even the best-laid plans can go awry.
The original “Hangover” was a massive sleeper hit that no one ever saw coming in a million years and “The Hangover II” is the hit that everyone saw coming. I only say that because the movie is almost a complete rehash of the original movie.
Reviewers and moviegoers alike all had the same beef with the movie — that it was just “The Hangover” again — and I agree. But even the characters themselves poke fun at the déjà vu of their scenario. I believe that the joke was over a lot of people’s heads and for those who did get it, the punchline wasn’t as strong as the filmmakers had hoped.
The one thing that keeps this boat afloat is the above-par chemistry among the trio. With each event sending Helms' Stu spiraling more and more out of control, Cooper’s Phil tries to keep everything together but Galifianakis’ Alan just has a knack for pulling at that one loose thread that undoes the sweater. I will say that the one person who should be a little peeved is Bartha. Granted, his lack of a role was the driving force of the first installment, but the sequel was the chance he needed to join the ranks of the pack and inflict a little damage. Sadly, he is sidelined once again into a small supporting role. Fans of the original film are sure to find some laughs in this follow-up, but not even a cameo from the champ himself can put this film up on the same pedestal as part one.
The Blu-ray includes multiple special features, such as a gag reel and multiple featurettes that will definitely tickle one’s funny bone.
Watch out for the Wolf Pack to make its way on to DVD and Blu-ray December 6.
Film: 3 Yaps Extras: 3 Yaps