Blu-ray Capsule Review: The Hangover
Still funny, just not as funny
QUICK THOUGHTS: My theatrical memories of The Hangover are positive. I gave the film an "A-" when I reviewed it, but I must admit I was skeptical before watching it again. It's not often I enjoy studio comedies this much, and they are the kind of films that typically disappoint the second time around and as the jokes become stale and the gut-busting laughter subsides. That said, my second go 'round with The Hangover didn't necessarily disappoint, but it was definitely nowhere near as funny this time and I expect repeated viewings will soften the film even further.
This release includes both the theatrical and unrated cuts of the film and to be honest, watching the unrated cut I have no idea what was added, but I think it's partially the reason the film didn't work as well the second time around. The unrated cut is eight minutes longer and while I didn't notice any additional laughs I felt the additional length. Don't get me wrong, it's still a funny flick and I had my share of laughs, it just wasn't the "A-" film I reviewed back in June.
SUPPLEMENTS: As for the supplements, this is a weak, weak package. The gag reel is the only relatively entertaining addition. The picture-in-picture audio commentary with director Todd Phillips and stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis is a complete bore and I'm fairly certain none of them wanted to be there. Phillips resorts to describing the scene we are actually watching, which never makes for a good commentary.
You can follow an interactive map of the film's progress if you are bored stiff, watch an unimpressive extended version of the "Best Friends" song, listen to the Dan Band perform their version of "Fame" or watch Ken Jeong be "funny" for seven minutes in a series of alternate and extended takes of his scenes. Oh, and those additional pictures from the missing camera featured during the film's credits are a major disappointment.
FINAL THOUGHTS: It's a toss-up for me. Personally I would be upset if I spent Blu-ray prices purchasing this disc. As a rental it is a worthy watch, but it's simply not a film I would return to very often, at least not to the point a Netflix subscription wouldn't take care of my desire. However, if you are a die heard comedy fan this is a perfectly worthy addition to your collection. It's still funny after a second viewing, just not as funny.
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I'll be picking up the unrated version on DVD. It'll be interesting to see how I react to it. I didn't really enjoy it too much when I saw it in the theater, though it was a midnight show and I was admittedly having a bad day. As I reflected back on it over the next few weeks and discussed it with other people, I began to appreciate it and even start to really like it. I didn't actually get to see it again in theaters though. I have faith, though, that what I remember was actually funnier than I first thought. If it turns out not to be, at least I'll have Inglourious Basterds to satisfy.
Yeah I actually got the Blu-Ray version yesterday (thank you two-day shipping at Amazon!) and the commentary is boring. Really boring. There are some laughs (I like how Zach asks his co-stars/director if they're going to keep talking over the movie, in a self-referential moment), but otherwise a huge disappointment, considering behind every great comedy,there's an even better commentary (See any Kevin Smith film, Judd Apatow films, etc).
Otherwise, I'm happy with the film. It's funny, but since I saw it three times in theaters, it's not as funny anymore.
Hollywood comedy much just not be your thing. Personally, I love "The Hangover," and I love it just as much having seen it 4 times as I did opening night. Besides being really funny and having some priceless one-liners, and besides having memorable characters that were well-written and perfectly cast, it's just set up so well. As a story, I mean–the structure, the scenes, the plot in general. Oftentimes even the best movies have a little bit of derivative material in the plot. Not "The Hangover." Everything in that movie, definitely every scene and almost every single line of dialogue, intensifies the plot and/or characters. Ignoring totally that it's comedy, it's simply a prime example of the perfectly constructed screenplay.