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EDITOR'S PICK
`The Hangover Part III` - cheers to this! (IANS Movie
Review)
Rating ***
Though a part of the trilogy, "The Hangover Part III" is unique in its
own way. It ditches the formulaic setup of the first two installments for a
straightforward story. It also packs in some excellent action-thriller sequences
to give wholesome comedy.
Fans of the franchise will catch up the story from the very word go. But for
those who are first time viewers of the series, it is the adventures of four
friends, the Wolfpack - Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Doug (Justin
Bartha) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis).
In terms of the story, "The Hangover" was of how three very different
guys affect one another and form a bond; "Hangover II" was Stu’s
story of “personal discovery” and the third film focuses on how Alan matures
into an adult.
And like the previous two films, “The Hangover Part III’ too has a team
member in peril; a mystery for the Wolfpack to solve; a set piece-to-set piece
progression of clues that deliver some twisted moments and raunchy humour.
The film begins like an action film with Chow (Ken Jeong) a conman and criminal
escaping from a chaotic Thai prison.
On the other hand, 42-year-old Alan is excited and happy in life. He is off
medications for the past six months and now on his way home after purchasing
‘Giraffe’. En-route home, he has a freak accident, which leads to a series
of disasters, which also includes the death of his father. Oblivious of the
cause of disaster, Alan leads a normal life “his way,” while others around
him feel that he needs help.
Concerned about Alan’s well-being, his friends decide to hospitalise him. On
their way to the hospital, they are way-laid by the cronies of crime boss
Marshall (John Goodman).
Marshall keeps Doug as hostage and set the others three free to hunt Chow, who
apparently stole his 21 million worth gold and is in touch with Alan.
The trio - sober faced, bruised and bloodied, shuttle between Mexico and Las
Vegas chasing Chow.
On the performance front, it is Zach Galifianakis’ film all the way. He steals
the show with his comic timing and straight face repartee. Alan’s concept of
“cool” is one of the best reoccurring gags the film has, and Zach’s
delivery seems much more organic and fun than the hard stares and snippy lines
his character was previously known for.
The rest of the cast delivers in a much subdued fashion, mostly serving as
backboards for Zach’s antics. New entrant Melissa McCarthy as Cassandra,
Alan’s love interest in the film, matches up with Zach to deliver some few but
exciting moments.
The film, even with its usual pot-holes and absurdity, is director Todd Philips
and script writer Craig Mazin’s best. They have blended the narrative so well
that ‘Part III’ gives the sense of wholeness to the trilogy.
The action, the visuals as well as the production values of the film are just
right. The dialogues are bittersweet and funny at the same time. The actors add
their bit of raunchiness to make it a memorable film.
‘The Hangover III’ is a compact film. Totally worth a watch!