The Hangover - Part III
(2013/Warner Bros. Blu-ray w/DVD + Digital Copy)
Picture: B+/B
Sound: B+/B Extras: C Film: C
As far as film
sequels go, most can agree that they don't usually go so well. The
Hangover sequels are no exception. With the Hangover: Part
II being a horrible rehashing of the first film (which was
extraordinarily hilarious); there wasn't much hope for the third
installment. With the creators and actors dead set on making the
film series into a trilogy, they said they learned from their
mistakes of Part II and would move forward. To some extent
they did and in others ways they didn't.
After a daring
prison escape scene featuring Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong), the film
starts with Allan's (Zach Galifianakis) father passing away after
Allan causes some pricey havoc around town. His family is convinced
that he needs help, as (now off his meds) he is more out of control
than ever; with the beheading of a giraffe being the last straw.
Allan agrees to go to New Horizons rehab and the Wolf Pack agrees to
be his escort. Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Doug
(Justin Bartha) are all present for the supposedly short and simple
road trip; but not before long chaos ensues. The Wolf Pack is rammed
off the road and kidnapped.
In the middle of the
desert the premise of the film is revealed by the big guy himself,
John Goodman (playing drug dealing, murdering, hijacker Marshall).
It seems that Leslie Chow had ripped off Marshall for about 20
Million Dollars in gold and he wants it back. The only connection to
Chow was the Wolf Pack, more specifically Allan; with Allan (and his
outlandish behavior) having been corresponding with Chow through
letters. Marshall charges The Wolf Pack with the task of tracking
down Chow and his gold; taking Doug (of course) as collateral. With
Doug's life on the line, the crew sets out to find Chow; their first
stop being Mexico. Allan uses his impressive (idiotic) skills to
locate Chow; but not before long The Wolf Pack is double crossed and
in more trouble than ever.
The film overall is
better than Part II, but nowhere close to the hilarity of the
first film. On the bright side, the film doesn't simply repeat jokes
found in the first two films; but makes a much darker film that
stands on its own. Sadly, standing on its own is not enough and the
film isn't very good. The acting is there (cast is great), the money
is there, and some clever moments that harken back to the first film
are impressive; but overall none of that can save The Hangover:
Part III.
The technical
features of this film are solid. The picture offers a 2.40 X 1
aspect ratio that is wonderfully done from beginning to end with
bright colors, solid contrast, a sharp image, and dark framing blacks
in the 1080p Blu-ray HD version. My main gripe would be that the
colors are somewhat oversaturated (purposely done) as the film's
creators wanted to embrace the oranges, reds, and yellows of the
bright Mexican/Vegas sun; but somewhat overdone in the end. The DVD
has weaker colors and definition. The sound is well done in a 5.1
DTS-HD Master Audio lossless mix that embraces the full speaker range
as this is most definitely an action comedy. The directionality,
ambient noises, and prioritization are all there to make it a
pleasant (though not perfect) experience.
The DVD included in
the set is merely a downgraded version of the better Blu-ray.
Extras include:
Digital Copy of film
Replacing Zach: The Secret
Auditions
The Wolf Pack's Wildest Stunts
Pushing the Limits
Zach Galifainakis in his Own
Words
Inside Focus: The Real Chow
Action Mash Ups
Outtakes
Extended Scenes
If you enjoyed the
other two films don't miss out on the third (and final?) installment.
Just don't be expecting an Oscar winner; or even Between Two
Ferns for that matter.
- Michael P.
Dougherty II
