Sequels: An Imminent Success or Failure?

(The beauty of a great movie review is that you can read it without the plot being spoiled. While this is true of this review, if you don’t want subtle details uncovered I suggest waiting to read this until after you see it).

Ahhh the Hangover. America’s favorite movie that depicts the foray of a roofie-induced night in Vegas. Well how about a night in Bangkok? Will it be as interesting and chaotic? The Wolfpack is back in action; this time halfway across the globe in Bangkok, Thailand. There’s something about this group of grown men that keeps America on the edge of their seats as the  antics from their debaucherous nights are slowly revealed.

Despite not being initially invited, through force Alan is begrudgingly allowed to attend Stu’s destination wedding  (No he does not marry Jade the stripper who he first married in Vegas, something I was very upset about. Like where did this new chick come from?). After the shenanigans that occurred during Doug’s bachelor party, Stu opts for a “bachelor brunch” at Ihop. Phil and Doug are urged to “go crazy” and order as many chocolate chip pancakes as they want. Once they arrive in Thailand the guys have other plans in mind.

A quiet bonfire on the beach roasting marshmallows turns into absolute mayhem. In attempts to sabotage newcomer Teddy, Stu’s soon to be 16-year-old brother-in-law, Alan spikes a new item with a substance that turned their night in Vegas into complete chaos. The guys find themselves groggily waking up in a shanty motel, unlike lavish Caesar’s Palace in Part I. Alan awakes with a shaved head and to Stu’s delight he wakes up with all of his teeth, but Phil and Alan quickly point out that there is something on his face and it will only be coming off with the help of lasers.

Yet again, one of their friends is missing and this time it is not Doug. Teddy is missing and the only clue they have to his whereabouts is a severed finger. An unknown mass on the floor is searched by a monkey who appears in the motel room as the Wolfpack acquaints themselves to their surroundings. The mass turns out to be international criminal Mr. Chow. After their departure from Vegas, Alan remained in contact and became friends with Chow.

Chow only provides a few details before passing out after taking too much “blow.” Thinking he’s dead the guys shove Chow into an ice machine until they can deal with him later. The Wolfpack jets across Bangkok uncovering more and more pieces of their night until they ultimately find Teddy and Chow gets arrested by Interpol. The gang makes it just in time for the wedding causing the bride’s father to warm up to Stu.

Alan remains a scene stealer who provides the best one-liners from the movie. Stu is still a stick in the mud, Phil upholds his position as ring leader and Doug supplies the stability to hide the secret adventures of the guys from the wedding party. Newcomer Teddy becomes the new Doug  and the drug dealing monkey becomes the new Carlos.

Despite the predictable formula (bachelor party+ alcoholic beverages + unknowingly consuming roofies = spending the next 24 hours piecing together the night and racing to make the wedding), the Hangover Part II is still side split-tingly funny and definitely worth the over-priced movie ticket. Even though the original Hangover did not warrant a sequel it was still very enjoyable. I actually wouldn’t even mind seeing the Hangover Part III. I mean Alan needs to get married too! Maybe Stu will roofie everyone next time.

While viewers may have never experienced anything like the Wolfpack’s adventures (the closest I got was my 21st birthday and no roofies were not involved), they can still relate in some way. Everyone has had a little too much to drink and forgotten some details of their night. While it may not be the entire thing, it is still fun to compare your craziest nights to the Hangover. Plus, isn’t it funny to watch and mock other people’s drunken misfortunes rather than your own?

The Wolfpack’s amusing  antics earn the Hangover Part II 4 stars and a must see rating.