The Hangover Part III

The Hangover franchise has been a mixed bag of sorts. The Hangover surprised audiences everywhere with some downright hilarious moments that would propel Zach Galifianakis to stardom. Then The Hangover Part II came out, and it was basically a rehashing of the first film with Bangkok in place of Vegas. It was the same jokes only with half the impact. The Hangover Part III completes the trilogy as the Wolfpack get together one last time in order to save Doug, who has been kidnapped by the ruthless criminal Marshall (John Goodman) and held ransom.

The Hangover Part III is darker and grittier than the series has ever been before but it follows the same premise, although without the pending nuptials this time around. The cause of all the chaos and commotion is none other than Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong). Chow has stolen millions worth of gold from Marshall, and he wants it back. Chow has been in contact with Alan (Galifianakis) so Marshall takes Doug hostage until Alan, Phil, and Stu can capture him and return the gold.

Thankfully the plot is at least somewhat different this time around. Despite the fact that they’re once again forced to rescue Doug, Chow now plays a bigger role and is as crazy as he’s ever been. That’s essentially what the films have become. While the first film was unique and creative in its humor, the franchise now relies on the shock value of its jokes and never deviates from the path. Phil is the leader; calm and collective. Stu is cautious and is always second guessing the plan. Alan is and always will be the loveable fool. If you’ve seen one Hangover film, you’ve seen them all.

Part III does have some genuinely hilarious moments, however. It comes around full circle with plenty of references to the previous films and cameo appearances by Jade the stripper, Black Doug, and baby Carlos. Galifianakis does what he does best by being oblivious to everything around him and acting without a care in the world. It’s all funny, but the laughs quickly wear off as the film progresses.

The Hangover Part III attempts to differentiate itself from its predecessors, but it eventually falls victim to the same problems as before. Director Todd Phillips needs to stop trying to recreate magic of the first film. We’ve been there, done that. Now it’s time to move on.