THE HANGOVER PART III
Release Date: 23 May 2013 (UK)
Director: Todd Phillips
Running Time: 100 Minutes
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, John Goodman
Screening Reviewed: London FDA Press Screening
Reviewed by Henry Kelly
The Hangover was one of the big suprise hits of 2009; a shock filled R-rated comedy with an incoherent yet likeable plot that had an instantly relatable ethos to anyone who had woken up after an alcohol fueled night of regret. A more divisive sequel followed in 2011 and now with the release of The Hangover: Part III the franchise is concluding. With that conclusion comes the expected resolution and reflection of its central characters. The main problem this presents is simply that the first film never had anything particularly meaningful to say, meaning director Todd Phillips and co-writer Craig Mazin have to inject some heavier ideas that attempt to widen its dramatic approach but stunt the films comedic potential in the process.
The Hangover: Part III begins with an action set-piece that in many ways sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Chow (Ken Jeong), a minor character in the original, but now a featured protagonist, escapes from a Bangkok prison in the midst of a dangerous riot. It’s a well shot and adequately thrilling opening, but one that certainly doesn’t feel like the beginning of a comedy film. The proceeding plot then diverts from the norm of revolving around a central wedding, and rather instead focuses on Alan’s (Zach Galifianakis) descending mental state and Chow’s escape from prison that coincide to send the Wolfpack on another adventure.
