The Hangover (15)

Jun 10 2009 Surrey Herald

A banging headache can't stop an incredible cast coming up trumps, writes PIERCE HUNT

AS WE roll into summer, the inevitable Hollywood blockbusters begin to surface. Thankfully, in among the numerous releases boasting phenomenal special effects and a cast of household names, we are blessed with the simplicity of The Hangover. With a modest budget and a cast of relative unknowns, director Todd Phillips has managed to serve up the funniest film of the year.

Without relying on a bankable 'funnyman', the film is able to establish several strong character identities with an array of superb performances.

A stag party in Vegas may not sound the most enthralling plot but Doug (Justin Bartha), the stag, Alan (Zach Galifianakis) his half-witted brother-in-law to be and best buddies Stu (Ed Helms) and Phil (Bradley Cooper) soon prove that they can withstand a night of debauchery. Well, just about.

The morning after, the carnage from the night before soon becomes clear. Stu prises his face from the marble floor and his hazy-eyed squint reveals the magnitude of their ridiculous antics.

The hotel suite is trashed, there's a baby in the wardrobe, a tiger in the bathroom, Stu's missing a tooth and Doug is nowhere to be seen.

Stu, Phil and Alan begin to piece together what actually happened on their wild night out.

Gradually, bit-bybit, the story unfolds, but not before diverging on hilarious tangents, which will require you to leave your politically correct notions at home.

Zach Galifianakis steals the show with his random quips and his clueless approach to the most mundane of tasks. The chubby, bearded loner, who was invited on the trip out of sympathy, is the crux of the on-screen chemistry.

The ride is exhausting, with non-stop laughs throughout. There isn't a lull in pace at any point, which makes for topnotch comedy.

Never have the closing credits been so hilarious or crucial in the history of cinema - a bold statement, but honestly, if you're not rolling around in the aisles in fits of laughter by the end, it may be time for a pipe and slippers.

Time will tell if The Hangover will be a box office success, but one thing's for sure, it'll be one of the few comedy releases of the year that will live long in the memory.

Genre: Comedy

Director: Todd Phillips

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Mike Tyson, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong

Did you know?: Three sets of twins and doll were used to play the baby

Verdict: The funniest film of year by a mile