THE HANGOVER PART III - FILM REVIEW

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. 

THE CAMPAIGN: MOVIE REVIEW

THE CAMPAIGN
Release Date: 28 September (UK)
Director: Jay Roach
Running Time: 85 Minutes
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis
Screening Reviewed: London Press Screening

Reviewed by Henry Kelly

There is something incomparably alluring and appealing about two such prolific actors within their genre coming together on-screen for the first time, as we get in The Campaign. Although there are no doubt numerous examples, I cannot think of a film since Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) that has featured two such genre heavyweights making their screen debut together. With Heat we had two of the most acclaimed and well-loved crime movie actors in Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, and now, with The Campaign, Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell, not quite the same degree of legend perhaps, but nonetheless two of comedies most popular current performers. The fact the two actors haven't shared substantial screen time before helps make The Campaign an exciting proposition before it has even begun.

With a plot that parodies contemporary U.S politics, a North Carolina Congressman Cam Brady (Farrell) finds his usually unopposed ascent to power halted by a plucky newcomer to the political scene in the form of Marty Huggins (Galifianakis). What follows is an outrageous campaign for popularity with both hopefuls going to extreme lengths to discredit one another and curry favour with the fickle minded voters. It caricatures a cynical view of politics without hitching its horse on either side of the fence.