The Hangover Part III

Genre: Comedy
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong. 
Running: 100 Mins

While The Hangover was pretty original, Todd Philips shows for the third time around that his visionary comedies are pretty funny but at times, one dimensional.  The Hangover part III looks to take a new direction (hangover free). So how did Todd and the guys get on this time around?

The guys are worried for the mental health of Alan (Zack Galifianakis) following the sudden death of his father. While Alan is hilariously obnoxious in refusing to cooperate, it is the presence of Phil (Bradly Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms) that helps reel Alan into what he believes to be the return of the wolf pack. However things take an expected turn for the worst as the gang are ambushed on route to Alan's destination. Doug (Justin Bartha) is kidnapped. Phil and Stu can't help but ignore the name of Chow who has a big part to play in the mess they will inevitably become part of.

On the orders of Marshall (John Goodman) the guys must find and return Chow - or Doug is a dead man.

And so begins a wild goose chase that is sometimes funny, yet most times boring and child like with the concept slowly but surely loosing the clever, witty comedic effort it supplied in the first movie. The onscreen companionship of both Chow and Alan is what saves this comedic effort from completely sinking. The character of Chow is in your face the whole time with sequences of loud, over the top camp-ness, revealing a movie that could have been called "Hangover: The origin of Chow".

Zack Galifianakis continues to advertise the same character he plays in everything. Of course we expect nothing less than humorous dialog from this guy and that is just what we get - with a more twisted mind-set from the once touched-friendly Alan who is now on the verge of straight up murdering someone. Not everyone will appreciate the sudden change of character or maybe you won't even notice.

The apparent importance of Alan is so drawn out at this stage that he completely shuts out the presence of both Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms. The Hangover III reveals that while Chow becomes annoying, along with the peculiar change of Zack's character, we will still munch on our popcorn and laugh on occasions with or without Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms - Hangover III so desperately wanted to take a new direction that they forgot about Cooper and Helms. It is a bit of a shame, but yet this is what happens when one man steals the show from the very beginning.

We did not need the Hangover III, let alone a sequel. Yet this is modern day Hollywood and while it is funny on occasions, one can not help but notice a desperate attempt for new material has resulted in a two man show - Chow and Alan. The Hangover part III is funnier than the sequel (in small sequences), but just as forgetful. The wolf pack may live on, but not to fill the pockets of the Hollywood hierarchy.

Overall: Partly Funny - unoriginal - over the top - beats the sequel - highly forgetful 

5.5/10

The Campaign

Like nothing we haven't seen already, Will Ferrell plays a character that depends on comedy through the chemistry of his new on screen buddy Zach Galifianakis.

North Carolina is iconic for the origin and current congressman, Cam Brady (Farrell), who, despite rivalry through-out his career, the chances of Cam retaining position every year is pretty fat. While taking the personality of a modern day body of government, Farrell's character is a mocking portrayal of George Bush which he uses to air a lame comedic performance.

To lighten the mood is Marty Huggins (Galifianakis), a some what camp individual who is happy out walking his Chinese pugs and running his low budget tourism centre.

When two CEO's eye future profits, a devious plan is set on reforming the campaign by convincing Marty that he could out-way Cam's votes and become the next Congressman. As Naive as Marty is, he is easily convinced as he sets on proving his worth to his not-so proud father Brian Cox.

It is no ordinary campaign this time around for Cam as he is shocked to find Marty stepping up to the plate. Insulted by Marty's actions, a war of words turn into a war of media as Cam realises that Marty is not acting on his own. Mitch (Jason Sudeikis) is assigned to accompany Marty and to make sure he uses every trick in the book to out-wit Cam and win the pride of Carolina.

A simple slap-stick that offers nothing new in terms of originality and overall humour. Will Ferrell was anonymous as he remained on the outskirts while Zack Galifianakis tried savouring a dying film from start to finish. Ferrell's performances are quite boring this time around, offering a concept we have seen time and time again; Blades of Glory, Anchorman, Step Brothers, all rivalry concepts that were quite successful upon release. The Campaign had outweighed this concept, with unworthy results.

Zack Galifianakis is quite humorous as a quirky socialite with his presence adding a comedic ingredient to every scene. Although the chemistry between both looked well onscreen, it didn't play well as each scene they were tied up in was childishly played or just down right boring, with gags such as the baby punch desperate to win you over. You will find yourself laughing more at the stupidities of the film while you realise you are left abandoned from the iconic, witty dialogue that Ferrell and co once brought.

The Campaign comes with a complete lack of comedy freshness, with a partnership that was destined to happen since The Hangover. Sadly the performances didn't play to the hype. Zack Galifianakis will continue to move forward. I have doubts over Will Ferrell's next destination. Recent times have fed me that result.

Overall/rating; so mundane, offering the same old stuff! Although a cheap part-time gag is on the table, the performances and overall film results in 85 minutes worth forgetting!

3/10