The Hangover

Love, love, LOVE this movie.

Imagine "Memento," then subtract subtlety and seriousness, then add a lost groom, three still drunk, kinda drugged buddies of the groom, a really hot Heather Graham, a dash of Mike Tyson and a gallon of hilarity, cussing, random shit and that funny guy from the Apatow movies, and you've got "The Hangover."

This was a legitimate adult comedy and I loved the filmmakers for it. I was happy that Justin Bartha wasn't in it more, because if he's not a sidekick and talking really fast then I don't care. Bradley Cooper was well cast, and held it together as the one trying to stay cool and not get too worried about having lost one of the boys.

But for me the real comedy came with Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, the latter I doubt that any of what he said was actually scripted. I firmly believe he's just THAT funny. Plus, just how he looks in this film is enough to laugh hysterically.

I loved Ed Helms though, as this guy who is completely tramping down his personality for a woman who treats him like shit. And, even though I HATED her, Rachael Harris was fantastic as that bitch of a girlfriend. I liked that as the movie went on his balls grew more and more until finally, at the end he does what he should have done all along. (How many guys I'm sure were wishing they had an opportunity to go back and say that shit to an ex or two.)

I loved that we as an audience were in exactly the same position as the characters, having to search and try and find our way through a crazy, drunken, drugged orgy of a night in order to figure out where in the hell we lost our best friend.

Mike Tyson's cameo was fan-fucking-tastic and I actually can't imagine the movie without him. The security camera footage of them stealing his tiger was choice, and singing "In the Air Tonight?" Priceless. The ER doctor who helps them along the way was amazing, the whole "It's on the corner of fuck off and get a map," had me doubled over. Ken Jeong as Mr. Leslie Chow who talks like Eminem and wears Prince heals and stole the wrong Doug? Pitch perfect.

The bottom line of this movie is about friendship of course, but the madness along the way is what gets you through the corny shit. Children tasing grown men in the nuts, a teacher stealing his kids' field trip money for Vegas, a father-in-law saying it's ok to miss your wedding if you're on a heater at the tables, etc. If you are an adult (who doesn't take offense easily) you must go see this movie. If for nothing else, sit through it for the memory card of photos at the end.

Trust me.

Disney Pixar's UP

From the short in front of this film to the photo-album ending I really have nothing bad to say about this movie. Much like Pixar's other projects, this movie completely fulfills the differing demographics' desires for an animated comedy.

On the one hand, there's the crotchety yet endearing old dude who provides the (major) funny for the adults, and then you have the vibrant and curious Cub Scout and somewhat bewildered dog for the kids.

I loved the sort of time-lapse journey through Carl's life previous to his becoming a stubborn and grumpy old timer. Even though it was quick, I teared up at the end of the montage, which so beautifully summed up Carl and Ellie's relationship. I think it also created a good realism base for the rest of the highly imaginative and fantastical journey. Much like probably everyone in the theatre, over time, one thing or another cropped up to put their dreams on hold, yet despite that, they were never unhappy because they were together. Because of that, you suddenly find yourself feeling a great bond with Carl, because you feel his loneliness and his desire to honor his word to his wife, even if she can't be there to see it.

The journey to Paradise Falls is fantastic and the growing relationship between Russell and Carl is just so damn cute, you can't help but want to hang out both these characters. I particularly loved that even once he figured out that she was a mom, Russell still called the so called "bird of paradise," Kevin. It's small touches like that which pushed this movie from your average animated fare to the next level.

Carl once again finding someone to care about is moving, as is the moment when he realizes that Ellie considered their wonderful life together her adventure. I remember saying to myself "open it" in the theatre because I just had a feeling that Ellie wouldn't have left those pages blank all her life. Then there's the end with the "Ellie badge" and the corner ice cream shop, and really, I'm sure some people thought that ending was too-pretty-with-a bow-on-top, but I loved it. Watching a character like Carl lose his heart and then, through a wondrous adventure, find a reason to live again was touching and uplifting. I was just SO happy leaving this film, and truthfully, there is nothing I would change about it.

Plummer was fantastic as the outcast explorer/adventurer, Charles Muntz, Alpha the master dog was quite funny, even without the high-pitched voice, and Dug, Dug was just a great dog.

I'm not saying this movie is perfect, I'm sure plenty of people had little annoyances about it, but I am saying that it was perfect to me. If you don't want to take the time to see a silly little animated movie, please reconsider and see this one. I guarantee your spirit will be lifted absolutely.

This film is completely in-keeping with the traditions of Disney Pixar, beautiful, creative, funny, liberating and above all, triumphant.