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.

Due Date -- REVIEW

Robert Downey Jr how you break my heart. Not even my love for you can save me from the pains in which you inflicted upon me during Due Date.  Not even my love for the obseenly odd Zach Galifianakis spared me a pain that could only rival that of child birth.  OK, that is probably a bit of a stretch, but I think you get what I am trying to say.

In true Todd Phillips (director) style, this film fits right in with Old School and The Hangover.  Although not as good as The Hangover, Due Date has a handful of scenes that are so over the top you aren't sure if you want to run from the theater or laugh. Zach Galifianakis stays true to himself and leaves you just as uncomfortable as ever watching his outragous character torment the poor expecting father (Downey Jr).  Even though I stuck it out throug the entire film, at times seriously wishing I hadn't, I will say that the only thing I wish it had included was a Mr. Chow.  THAT would have keep me wanting more.

Due Date is a poor attempt of keeping The Hangover fans hungry for more as we wait for the follow-up film to be released.  Yes it will force you to laugh, but you will not feel good about yourself for laughing when you walk out.  If given a choice between Due Date and Megamind (which also opens this Friday), sadly I would go with the animated family film, and save the vulger obsenity that is Due Date until it is released on DVD.  I'm sorry Robert, but do us all a favor and keep to your wonderful role as Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes, I would much rather watch you kick ass than get your ass handed to you on a platter. 

I give Due Date a 2 out of 5.

Up In The Air -- Review

Traveling during the holidays is always an activity that I dread. The long lines, the screaming children, the hungry children, the fighting couples, the obstinate teens. And then once you are on the plane, train and/or automobile you find yourself stuck next to the crying baby sitting in front of a child throwing a temper tantrum who finds it entertaining to repeatedly kick the back of your seat. Yes we have all had the luxury of traveling "in style", giving dirty looks to those with their rewards cards who get to jump the line, with their business or first class status. Yes, we give them the evil eye as they walk past us without a care in the world because they will be the ones riding comfortably to their destination. Well, we may start looking at those people a little
differently now.
Up in the Air is a film that rides a thin line between comedy and drama. It is an adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel of the same name, but tells the story of Ryan Bingham in a slightly different aspect. In the film George Clooney play his usual "swave guy" in the film, however he works for a company that fires people so there is a bit of a love hate relationship that is felt for his character. Watching him play "the lonely man" is also a slightly new thing. Now granted there is a love interest for him, but the twists and turns that he must go through in this discovery may actually shock you by the end of the film. Playing along side Clooney is the beautiful Vera Farmiga who's quick wit will have you laughing over the use of double entendres during her conversations regarding elite statuses with Clooney's character. Anna Kendrick, who most will know from the Twilight Saga, plays the young co-worker Natalie Keener. Many may not know that she comes from a background on Broadway, including even being one of the youngest nominated for a Tony Award, which I believe has given her a leg up in the acting world. She easily gave Clooney a run for his money when they were on screen together because I was never able to take my eyes off the young actress. Having only really seen her in the Twilight films, I wasn't sure how she was going to hold up, but damn was she impressive.
Up in the Air keeps you grounded in what is happening today. Updating the 2001 novel to fit in with the economic world we are currently facing and some times making the film feel rather depressing because only recently did we, being that you or someone you know, who recently was let go from their job. Amidst the lay-offs we get humor and "real life people". We get to watch them as they go through the normal ups and downs of life. We also see things that some of us are blind to noticing. But in the end the film has true spirit. It touches us in the same way that our friends and family do, reminding us that if times get tough we do have someone there that can help us make it through.

So if you want to brave the skies above check out the film. George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are fun to watch on screen, and the bit part played by comedic actor Jason Bateman will only add to the fun of this film. Also be on the look out for cameo appearances by Zach Galifianakis and Sam Elliott. So go redeem some of your sky miles and check out this film.