The Hangover

I recently saw the movie The Hangover with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms (The Office), and newcomer Zach Galifianakis (well, new to me anyway). This movie made me laugh pretty hard just from the previews. If a trailer can make me crack a smile then the actual movie can't be half bad. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but these types of zany movies with thirty somethings (Wedding Crashers, Old School, Most any Ben Stiller movie, etc...) seem to be the trend these days. I credit this movement to the aging of this generation. When I was a teenager the more memorable comedies were the old John Hughes flicks (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, etc...). Those teenagers from that genre are the present day thirty-somethings (including myself). So the teenage comedies that were popular in the 80's have now been replaced by such films as Meet the Parents and Old School. It's just a shift in genres with the same audience. We've just grown up a bit now. But the inner Ferris Bueller inside of all of us is still there and craves the wacky day-off scenario where we let go of reality and get a bit crazy. But I digress...

The basic premise of The Hangover is pretty self explanatory from the previews. Bachelor party in Vegas party gone over the edge. We are just left to fill in the pieces. Without giving too much of the movie away I can tell you that this movie is hilarious! It's a good cast of characters with the a good balance of physical, smack you in the face funny mixed in with more subtle humor. Galifianakis (that would be the little bearded guy in the movie) actually stole the show. His character is this freakish little quirky guy who we all come to embrace as a little brother figure. Yes, there is a Mike Tyson cameo which is actually kind of funny too. I would give this movie a high recommendation. Don't take your kids (lol). It's definitely for adults. Definitely worth seeing if you want some hearty laughs.

-Jim