THE HANGOVER: PART II -- Review

There is something tragically sad when Hollywood feels the need to take a good thing and destroy it. Granted the failure of Part II was not an epic fail, but it was close enough to have been a complete disappointment.

The Hangover Part II is one of those films that you go into hoping for something to be delightfully surprised by, and granted there were a few jokes that were quite shocking, but the overall effect of the film did not survive the curse of unnecessary sequels. The first film was such a shock to the system that there was little wrong that could be done and no matter what your tastes are for humor The Hangover appealed to you. The wildly over the top and insanity that the wolfpack brought was a unique thing that charmed us all. Part II unfortunately took advantage of the original fans and gave us little to walk away with.

I honestly question if the final film failed because of the lack of secrecy surrounding the film as they suffered several "leaks" during the production process with regards to story and casting of cameo appearances. I have read interviews stating that director Todd Phillips respected the wishes of cast and crew to not push to keep Mel Gibson for the "surprise" cameo as the tattoo artist, and on some scale I almost respect the director for that, but in a way (regardless of my lack of respect for Gibson today) I actually wish he had been used. It would have been an "in-your-face" that the film just lacked. I missed the insane LVPD who used the wolfpack as stun gun test dummies and I feel that, although still not as great, the Gibson cameo would have been on a level appropriate for The Hangover.

Overall I was not impressed by the Part II. Too much time was spent on the "family dynamics" which were practically useless for the film. Not enough time was spent developing cameos that could have actually added to the franchise. Paul Giamatti could have been such a badass and he just wasn't utilized to the best potential for the characters and film. Liam Neeson was so unrecognizable as the tattoo artist that the cameo was COMPLETELY LOST and the joke fizzled and fell so short that the film no longer felt like it had anything to do with The Hangover. There was one additional cameo at the end of the film that was so painful to watch and listen to that I wish it had almost been left out. Actually aside from Chow and the final cameo there was little that brough the 2nd film back to the original.

I am very sad to report that I give The Hangover Part II a 1.5 out of 5. I had such hopes that the franchise would at least survive a second film, but that did not seem to be the case. I know it has been thrown around for the idea of a third installment if Part II does well, and I honestly doubt the film will do well enough. Even though my love for Galifianakis runs strong, he couldn't even save the film in his over the top insanity. My only recommendation is to pass on The Hangover this week and maybe pick it up in the $5 bin at Target/Wal-Mart.

Clash of the Titans -- Review

Do you remember that gag your friends used to play about "running through a forest"? The one where they'd flail their hands around in front of your face until "you run into a tree" and then they'd bopped you on the head.  Well, I just spent just under 2 hours in a film where I felt like I was just being played with before running head first into NOTHING.  I know that 3D is supposed to be the IN thing because it's "so cool", but I'm sick of having to feel like I can't see straight when I'm paying upwards of $18+ per 3D film.  And now,  with the 24% increase in ticket rates I'm sorry to say, that it is becoming less and less likely that I would willingly go to another 3D film.

This weekend we are being hit with the Clash of the Titans in 3D and but, I have to tell you, I have never felt so confused while watching such a simple story line.  This remake to the 1981 classic has so much happening on screen that I felt like I walked out of the theater cross-eyed.  With the combination of 3D, visual effects, complicated battle sequences, and the outrageous number of monsters constantly flying at the screen I could barely keep track of what was happening.  The picture looked like one big blur and about half way through the film I forfeited  the 3D glasses and chanced watching the film without their aid and discovered, it really made no difference in the viewing and interpretation of what was happen and to who.

Clash of the Titans was cram packed with so much action that it did not leave time for much else.  The story even left me scratching my head as there was no introduction to any of the character other than Perseus, Zeus or Hades.  Regardless of how much I love Ralph Fiennes, I found his portrayal of Hades almost too “Darth Vader”  like and the only thing that would have completely thrown the film would have been Perseus, I am your father" line spouted by Zeus.  Liam Neeson's portrayal of Zeus was strong, and "shiny", which reminded me of the sparkling vampires.   There was just too much going on in front of me (and I don’t mean those sitting in front of me) that I could not help but be distracted.  The film, although action packed which  normally what I'm looking for in a film, this one left me wanting a stop button with no repeat, since I couldn’t bear to see it again. 

For me, Clash of the Titans is an adventure ride I'd rather they had stopped the ride so I could have gotten off.  This film was a definite unnecessary remake to a classic that may be out dated but a much more enjoyable film to watch.  I rate this 3D a epic fail.  Maybe an attempt at the 2D version will allow me to rate the film.  With the jumpy camera and unfocused picture, motion sickness is the only thing that I can  register as the film achievement.  So barf to Clash of the Titans and please don’t regurgitate it and make it into a 4D film next go around.  

The A-Team

Since word came out that they are planning to release a new A-Team film we have been anticipating the release of any footage. Although there may have been difficulty locking in cast during the early stages of production, we now have a cast and an official trailer now available for us to enjoy. I am excited to see what director Joe Carnahan will finally bring to the big screen.

Don't be surprised when you see cameo appearances of John Schultz and Dirk Benedict who played H.M. Murdock and Templeton 'Faceman' Peck. I look forward to see how they are incorperated into the films, as well as look forward to see what these original players think of the new actors in their original roles. Casting Liam Neeson as Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck, UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Sgt. B.A. "Bad Attitude" Baracus, and Sharlto Copley as Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock will be an interesting mix to see how it plays out. My concerns are with casting Jessica Biel as Lt. Carissa Sosa since I'm not sure how that role will play out for her. It may work out better than some of her past work, but I guess only time will tell.

The A-Team will hit theaters this summer with a scheduled release date of June 11, 2010. So keep your eyes out for The A-Team.

1983 -- A-Team Intro


Family Guy A-Team Parody