The Hangover crew heads to Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the disaster of a bachelor party in Las Vegas last year, Stu is playing it safe with a mellow pre-wedding brunch. However, nothing goes...
The Hangover Part 2 is twice as mad, "twice as funny" and twice as uninspired. If there is one thing I never really understood, it's comedy sequels. Why? Because it's blatantly going to rehash its predecessor recalling the exact same jokes in a nearly identical formula. This sequel is no different, and its problem is the fact it's entirely noticeable. It's another bachelor party, this time for Stu's wedding, where they all drink again which results in a killer hangover consequently removing all memories from the previous night. Someone is missing, they must retrace their steps to find that person and blah blah blah just watch the first film. It is a symmetrical premise. The plot itself is identical right down to the narrowest of margins, making it pretty difficult to review. Everything I mentioned when reviewing the first film applies here also. Rapid pacing, inventive use of the flashback structure, memorable lines of dialogue, serviceable acting (except Helms...who I still dislike in this) and the inclusion of Mike Tyson...because why the heck not. This also includes the negatives that I highlighted including the lack of comedy, minimal character development and a narrative consisting of a random string of absurd events montaged together to create a motion picture. The only essence that has changed is the location, no longer are we in crazy Las Vegas, we have ventured across the globe to Bangkok. Honestly, it only serves as an environmental plot device to include the character Leslie Chow who seemed to be a fan favourite in the previous film. That's just lazy writing and comes across as mundane. What I will say, is that there is a scene involving kathoey strippers that cracked me up. I should've saw it coming, but I didn't so I'll give some credit. Aside from that, I didn't laugh once but this is to be expected. In the end, Part 2 is exactly the same as its predecessor. If you enjoyed that, you'll enjoy this more exotic hangover. If you didn't, don't continue with this franchise...and most importantly don't drink. Alcohol is bad, children (it really isn't, I crave it...).
