Hangover Part II

Hangover Part II

Synopsis:"Monkey Business" ensues, as the nerdy groom (Stu, the dentist) along with his buddies, the "Wolfpack" cut to the chase (again) in Hangover Part II. The trio hunt desperately this time around, for the younger brother of the bride-to-be, lost in Thailand following a mind-numbing night of outrageous shenanigans.

Genre: Comedy

Released: May 2011

Starring: Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis

Directed by Todd Phillips and written by Craig Mazin, Scott Armstrong,Todd Phillips

The laughs as compared to the original Hangover Part I have definitely dwindled, and the freshness of a creatively written sequel, is well, not so fresh. Many reviewers have doled out a weak, negative stance (largely a 2.5 stars out of 5) on this film that stubbornly and successfully still exerts a belly laugh out of everyone at least at some point during the film... even if not until the very end. Upon returning home, some unexpected memory of a moment from this film emerges, forcing a spontaneous laugh out loud days later, and viewing this trailer, recounting the film, I find myself snickering-again.

A lack of diversion from the original storyline does not help matters. Other than the time frame two years later, a different locale, and a new groom, where is the originality? This film is not built around an intelligent plot, revelation, or self-discovery but that is not the intention. Although Stu, the nerdy dentist (Ed Helms) garners the strength by the end of the flick to actually take a stand on his life. Hangover II hovers at an absurd threshold, raunchy, sometimes gross, and yes, mindless humour, that surfaces in the final ten minutes of the film, so much so, that the audience bursts with laughs. The goofy simplicity of man buddies caught in a web of juvenile delinquency-again- it seems, is what the mainly youthful audience has turned out in droves to see. In just four weeks since this movie’s release, Hangover Part II has easily raked in over $235,000,000, and mounting. Not bad for some goofy guys screwing up a bachelor party, and chasing around Thailand desperately seeking a 9-finger sixteen year old.

The intent of the flick appears to provide that welcome, fun, specialized escape from everyday doldrums, from the persistent recession that insists on clinging to our being. The storyline is built around a bachelor party which this time around for the "Wolf Pack" was supposed to be a quiet, safe, non-exciting brunch celebration. Predictably the event evolved into a mind-numbing night of gallivanting around an exotic land, encountering one disastrous predicament to the next.

The plot keeps us busy dodging Thailand gangsters; particularly the reappearance of the super-hyper, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) and the trio’s regrettable discovery and rather close examination of his “sizeable” part. Kick-box trained monastery inhabitants are not to be reckoned with, a visit to a nightclub with explicit not-the-norm performers, tattoo tribulations, and the tender relationship between paranoid Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and a rather delinquent monkey, each contribute to the Wolf Pack’s antics. Even Mike Tyson returns, to add appropriate continuity from the first film. The backdrop scenes in musty Bangkok, Thailand emphasize the dilapidated parts of town, so hot, filthy, and crowded, you can smell the festered sweat and feel crime lingering in the air.

As in the first installment, the men awake in the morning in a blank hazy stupor, with no account at all of the night’s activities. Phil (Bradley Cooper) holds the group together, guiding the motley trio while they search for the bride-to be’s barely sixteen year old brother Teddy, (Mason Lee) whose only clue of his whereabouts from the night prior was left in a glass; his severed finger. Grungy, greasy, grime, does not camouflage the hunky Phil, so for the female audience, this is good. Although the dialogue is frustratingly simple, the story prods on, fueled by its blunt comical bits and pieces. Further exploring Alan’s (Zach Gianfiankis) paranoid persona was truly hilarious, and he remains for many, the favorite character. He is unique and bizarre, carrying the film (again) with his childlike ignorance/innocence, in such a weird and wacky way that you truly grow more attached to him, as well as his new found monkey buddy. Sensible Stu (Ed Helms) is typically terrified, and stressed to the max, adding intensity to the various sticky scenarios.

The content is most suitable for the 20-30ish crowd who does not want to think about a plot, and yearns to laugh, and a very mindless reprieve for the older set with a few crazy laughs thrown in the mix. The sometimes crude content "crosses" some sexuality boundaries, and vulgar language abounds, so be prepared. Yes, I look forward to Hangover Part III which is rumoured to be in the works.

Let's Begin with a Beauty; The King's Speech

Before I begin posting my reviews of selected 2011 films each of which I will bestow a 1-5 star rating, I respectfully share my winner by far for 2010, The King's Speech.

The King’s Speech

A Royal “Ten” from 2010; Drama (and witty Comedy) Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, directed by Tom Hooper.

It certainly is not often that any film instills a solid 5-star rating from me. Movies like Titanic, 1997 and my 2009 favorite, Blindside (Sandra Bullock) come to mind. These works comprise a tight group of rare films who truly scrape off, stir, and facilitate a bubbling of emotion from deep within the soul. The King’s Speech resonates empathy, triumph, adversity and humour,  all entwined within a true historical drama.

I was thrilled to attend the premiere of this film at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in September 2010. The memorable unveiling of The King’s Speech was surpassed only by the surprise of lead actor Colin Firth, supporting actor Geoffrey Rush, and director Tom Hooper, sauntering onto the stage following the film’s debut for an audience chit-chat. The crowd had remained standing, clapping, and cheering at what had just been witnessed. Interesting was the age span in the audience; 20-80 years old, who had largely chuckled and wept together during this tremendous story. All seemed thrilled with the impromptu candid dialogue about the process of making the movie. At the completion of TIFF, the People’s Choice film award was allocated to The King's Speech voted by viewers as the best movie among over 300 films displayed during the festival. 
Not surprising, was the film's  impressive run during award season. The Kings’s Speech proceeded to win numerous accolades; A Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards nestled among 10 Oscar nominations (winning four) including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

The plot explores the creative linguistic interactions of “Bertie” (Colin Firth) and his Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). What is it about this real-life story that warmly delivers a glimpse of a stuttering prince and a quirky speech therapist who just happen to click? The story reveals a previously hidden account of a royal who reluctantly agrees to grapple with yet another alternative speech therapy. Only with the sensitive encouragement of his wife and  personal mounting despair, does he  finally agree to give Lionel's methods a try. The storyline is serious yet humorous, disturbing yet endearing. Their friendship is an unlikely meeting of opposites in so many ways. You are compelled to root for any discovery of possible “common” ground amid the patient-“physician” rather unorthodox speech therapy sessions.  You wonder what the odds are that Bertie may actually be thrust into the limelight to replace his brother as monarch.

Adding to the mix of intrigue are the many subplots; elder brother David’s antics, Bertie’s despairing childhood memories of his nanny, the possible ascension to the throne, the abdication and the pending war against Germany.  The storyline portrays an uplifting, witty account of the frustrations of a real-life heart-wrenching impediment, during a very dismal time period in history.
The acting is superlative. Colin Firth is exquisite, as the handsome prince (classic!) embracing his role spontaneously stuttering whilst also wincing with tension in his attempts to force emergence of stalled words. The audience cringes along with him. Geoffrey Rush with an ever-present twinkle in his eyes and impeccably timed sarcasm does not disappoint. He creates audience giggles thankfully easing the tension that embues the drama. Helena Bonham Carter who  portrays Elizabeth I also affectionately known over the years as the Queen Mother, is Bertie’s tender supportive wife.

Her character demonstrates a steadfast love in a sweet, perceptive manner. She and Bertie enjoy genuine interactions with their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, the current monarch and Princess Margaret. Their family time is playful and simple in stark contrast to the perpetual pressures of the regimented "stuff" required of a British monarch's existence.

Tom Hooper compels us to examine our own imperfections. We draw an unusual comfort in the realization that royalty also experiences despair and hurt. We gratefully recognize that occasionally in life, the most unlikely of acquaintances can offer us precious solace while facing adversity. The notion of "I can't" is  cast aside. The King’s Speech unearths the beauty in discovering true friendship and presents the rewards of overcoming personal challenges.
Colin Firth has since fittingly experienced royalty firsthand.   He was invited to  dine with both  Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama (May 25, 2011) at Buckingham palace. I wonder if a knighthood ceremony is pending? I’ll bet ten shillings, you will enjoy watching this treasure of a film.

           

Colin Firth, President Obama, Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace

                                                  

Welcome to my Movie blog! I am a self-confessed movie aficionado, and look forward to sharing my thoughts, ratings, and overviews of film releases in providing you with THE scoop on what is playing in theatres (movies and some live theatre) and what to expect.