A Movie Reflection by Ken - 'The Hangover Part II'

Take a moment and recall one of your best nights out. Some will say they can't remember a thing. Others who were there will say, "Too bad, I do." Short and sweet, I was the designated driver for The Hangover Part II.

I don't think anyone was ready for The Hangover when it came out in 2009. The wild, drug-induced bachelor party led to a wild ride as Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zack Galifianakis) searched for their lost friend Doug (Justin Bartha). The Hangover II holds on to the same premise, but a few things have changed. Change is not always good.

This time around, Stu has found the love of his life and does everything in his power to avoid another mind-blowing party. But his sedate pre-wedding brunch is ruined by one fateful decision. What happened in Vegas, does stay in Vegas, but you can't even imagine what happens in Bangkok.

The Hangover II is not The Hangover. It is a lot darker and, in parts, a lot meaner. What was enjoyable in the original, has become forced. The anger between the "three best friends that anyone can have" goes way past best friends more than once. The jokes become blatant and more obvious as the movie goes on. Sadly, you can pinpoint when a joke from the original will make a comeback.

The problem with the sequel is it's almost more of a do-over than a sequel. A lot of the plot line will look really familiar. What is new will make you laugh. There are a few gems. The problem is they are few and far between.

There is no question, The Hangover Part II will be successful at the box office. I just do not think it will get the repeat business like the first. So go, enjoy your night out. Get a little crazy. When you get home, take some aspirin and sleep it off. Like a bad night out, what you do remember will be the good moments. The rest of the evening will slip your mind.

Ken's Ranking: The Hangover Part II - 2.75 stars - Really Stu?