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.

Edge of Darkness -- Review

How far are you willing to go to keep a secret?  How about the truth?  Depending on the circumstances and those involved, would you be willing to kill for either? Edge of Darkness is just that.  It borders the line between sanity and insanity, it tempts madness, and challenges one man's morals and limits after he witnesses the horrifyingly graphic death of his young daughter.  This conspiracy thriller film is a roller coaster ride through a haunted house that with quite literally blow your mind.

Edge of Darkness was a surprising film after the past Mel Gibson mighty fails.  The story is gripping and holds your attention from start to finish.  It reminded me of classic Gibson via 1987 when he played one of my favorite characters, Sergeant Riggs.  Minus the horrible attempt at a Boston accent, Gibson's portrayal of Detective Craven is a memorable role.  Having him play along side Ray Winstone, who eventually took on the role of Jedburgh once Robert De Niro dropped out of the role after only a few short days on set for what was said to have been "creative differences".  Although I loved watching the English bad man I would have loved to have see what De Niro would have done with the role.  Aside from the accent Gibson was playing around with which felt like nails on a chalkboard, the only other issue I had with the film was the whimpering Jack Bennette.  Played by Danny Huston, who terrified me as Marlow in 30 Days of Nights, I almost expected him to be a little more ruthless.  Even in the final scenes of the film I expected his "badassness" level to rise, but it never met the level I have become accustomed to for his unique look. I just did not buy the 'corporate bad guy' as much as I would have liked to.

The acting ensemble was amazingly casted and the rough and tumble shooting style left nothing to the imagination.  Director Martin Campbell gave us a nitty-gritty view of Boston with some of the most brutal deaths I have seen on screen.  A close friend of mine worked on second unit, and with each passing scene all I could think was how jealous I was that she had been involved in a project that I'm sure was a roller coaster ride all of its own.  It was fun to watch the city on the big screen and recognizing a number of the location when it is normally LA, NYC or some other large city where these style of action films are shot.

If you are looking for an action packed film this weekend, and you have a decently strong stomach to be able to handle several graphic murders that will seriously make you squirm in your seat.  Even though I have fallen out of the Mel Gibson fan club, this film sends you back to the glory days and the craziness of the Lethal Weapon films.  I give this film a 4 out of 5 on the suspense and action scale.