Can a hangover be funny?

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The Trav & SHE movie of the week: The Hangover
The Hangover is playing at the Malco Cinema 12 and the Carmike 14 in Fort Smith, and the Malco in Van Buren. Link here for ticket info and show times.



Trav: The summer of 2009 movie schedule had a couple of "must-sees" for me. Star Trek was number one with a bullet on my list, but The Hangover was a close second.  Star Trek totally lived up to my geeky anticipation. Going into our Sunday night viewing of The Hangover, I was hopeful it would be able to live up to my expectations as well. All the texts, emails, tweets, and Facebook status updates I was barraged with over the weekend regarding this movie had me extremely anxious to watch this one.

SHE: Yeah, Hangover, shmangover. How many times have you gone to see a movie because the preview or trailer looked outstanding but it ended up being more entertaining than the entire film? The Hangover had all the makings for a disappointment showing – not a big fan of slapstick comedy – sure, I’m a comedy snob, but I’m going in with an open mind.

Trav: OK, now for the previews. What we were shown prior to The Hangover was a letdown.

SHE: Couldn’t agree more, other than The Proposal, these were a total letdown.

• The Proposal (June 19)
Trav: This looks funny even if it is a romantic comedy about a Canadian businesswoman that has to marry her assistant to keep from being deported/losing her job. Betty White’s "egg hunt" comment at the end of this preview probably guaranteed I’ll go watch this one.

SHE: Even if? It’s a romantic comedy, therefore it cannot be funny? Suggestion: let’s spend a month reviewing indie and/or foreign subtitled films. This is predicted to be an entertaining film and not because I have anything in common with the bossy, domineering businesswoman but because we want to find out – if I go to Canada — can I get an assistant like this?

• I Love You Beth Cooper (July 10)
Trav: The school nerd decides the time to announce his love for the hot chick at school is during his speech at commencement. I’m not really interested in this one.

SHE: Seen this story before. Let’s wait for it on cable.

• The Final Destination (Aug. 28)
Trav: Apparently this is the third in the Final Destination series. I didn’t see the first two, which means I won’t see this one, even if it is in 3-D. The trailer doesn’t even look scary.

SHE: Wait, what? I thought Final Destination was a video game? Movies about a video game? I’m holding out for Frogger.

• Orphan (July 24)
Trav: I wouldn’t say I like scary movies, but I’m OK with them. This is about an adopted child that starts terrorizing her new family members. This one looks more creepy than scary. Although it looks interesting, I’ll probably end up just adding this to my Netflix queue. I try to avoid horror movies with creepy kids.

SHE: So, that’s why you never come over anymore? Gosh Trav, all you had to do was say something and I’d lay off the makeup and lock the kids in the closet when you come over!?

THE HANGOVER
Trav: From the director of Old School, The Hangover is a story about a road trip to Las Vegas for a bachelor party where the groom goes missing. The search to find the pivotal missing member of the wedding party takes you on a fuzzy, hazy ride through Las Vegas. You get to meet over-the-top goofy cops, Asian gangsters, a stripper/escort, and Mike Tyson all while trying to figure out exactly what happened the night before.

SHE: Yes, let’s discuss a fuzzy, hazy ride. Trav and I did not see this movie together because I guess I took things too literally. While Trav watched it, I was at home working on My Hangover, also known as Mojito Night!  That’s right, I didn’t see The Hangover until the following day when I was absolutely hungover. And it’s true, we meet funny characters, all while trying to figure out what happened the night before – both in the film and well, whatever.

Trav: The Hangover stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha. These four actors aren’t the big names usually attached to a summer movie, but they deliver some great, memorable laughs. I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing more of all these guys in the future thanks to this movie.

SHE: Casting was great and even a comedy snob couldn’t help but enjoy this film. The writing was enjoyable. The characters are lovable jackasses but everyone has these characters in their lives. Some of us don’t get enough quality time with our lovable jackass friends.

Trav: The Hangover is well worth the $8.50. It is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a while. I am going to recommend this movie, but be warned, this is an R rated comedy with all the colorful language you’d expect. There is some nudity … mainly "dude-ity" during the movie. The in-your-face, over-the-top raunch occurs primarily as the credits roll. One of the best comedies I’ve seen in a while, this movie gets a 4.5 out of 5.

SHE: Colorful language? It’s a rainbow! I began craving Skittles although I couldn’t hold anything down. The Hangover is entertaining, funny and definitely worth $8.50. See this movie. Do not go with your parents, your kids or overly sensitive co-workers. Take your jackass friends!  However, I do NOT recommend scheduling mojito night, margarita night or Miller Lite night before heading out. One hangover is enough at a time!  I’m giving it a 4 out of 5.

FEEDBACK
Trav can be reached at [email protected]

SHE can be reached at [email protected]