Why The Hangover Remains One of the Best Movies Ever Made
There are some films that manage to succeed despite the competition in a world where new ones are consistently being churned. One of those takes us back to 2009 when it was released – The Hangover. It has captivated audiences with its wild storyline and impeccably written characters, and endless quotability. Without giving too many spoilers, we’ll revisit everything that has made it so beloved.
The Packed Plot
The Hangover boasts a plot that is nothing short of genius, although it does start off rather simply with four friends embarking on a bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas. However, the twist comes when they wake up the next morning with absolutely no memory and to top it off, they have lost the groom. While they scramble to retrace their steps and find their missing friend, chaos ensues – ideal for those seeking a good laugh.
But one of the main reasons why The Hangover is so beloved is that it manages to cast a wide net, catching people who enjoy not only comedies but other hobbies. For instance, fans of Paddy Power games like Blackjack will appreciate not only the fact that it is set in Las Vegas, but also that the game in question plays a big role in the plot. To be more specific, we can see one of the main characters, Alan, play it in the movie to attempt and win back the money they allegedly took from Chow, the movie’s antagonist.
It’s the ideal movie to watch while playing the game in question, particularly if you’re playing online to enhance the immersion. Fans of dramatic surprises and mystery buffs are two other groups that this film will appeal to. The movie manages to keep viewers guessing as to how these guys managed to land themselves in such absurd situations even after each new clue is uncovered. To make it a genuinely satisfying watch, the complete picture is only revealed at the very end.
The Characters
Apart from the plot that is packed with tropes that a myriad of people will enjoy, it would be nothing without the characters. First, we have Alan Garner, played by Zach Galifianakis, who steals every scene he’s in with his childish and erratic behavior along with his offbeat sense of humor. Somehow, a character who could easily skew more annoying than anything else instead appears as both hilarious and endearing.
Then we have Phil Wenneck, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, who serves as the suave leader of the group. He has a quick wit and is chock full of charisma, but he also shows a vulnerable side that gives his character more depth. The third impeccably written character is Ed Helms as Stu Price, whose uptight nature provides endless comedic relief. Whether it’s dealing with a missing tooth or getting accidentally married, Stu never fails to make us laugh.
And let’s not forget Justin Bartha as Doug Billings, he may not have as much screen time as the others but plays an essential role in driving the plot forward. His absence alone serves as a spark for a variety of disasters. Through their wild antics in multiple locations in mainly Vegas, as per AtlasOfWonders, these four buddies wind up forming an unexpected friendship, but it’s their undeniable chemistry that makes you feel like you’re watching an actual friend group going through the motions.
From the moment we are introduced to the wild bachelor party in Las Vegas to the chaotic aftermath that follows, The Hangover takes us on a rollercoaster ride of laughter and unexpected twists. But it’s not just the plot that makes this movie exceptional; it’s also the memorable characters that we can’t help but fall in love with. Whether it’s Phil’s quick wit and charm, Stu’s neurotic tendencies, Alan’s quirky antics, or even Mr. Chow’s outrageous personality – each character brings something unique and entertaining to the table.
While primarily known for its comedy elements, beneath all the chaos and hilarity lies themes of friendship and self-discovery as these unlikely friends navigate through adversity together. The Hangover remains one of those rare comedies that has stood the test of time.