The Hangover Part III Review: The Party is Finally Over

When “The Hangover” arrived in 2009, audiences and critics championed the salty brilliance that ushered The Wolf Pack (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) into the pop culture pantheon. It was a record setting hit that redefined the box office viability of the R-rated comedy. And even if the film possessed a narrative with a logical end, Vegas odds were a sequel would continue the ride.

For fans and critics alike, 2011’s “Part II” was a mean spirited affair that squandered the risqué joy of the original. Still, its massive box office tally didn’t reflect any fan disappointment. Hence, a part three was inevitable. Did director Todd Phillips and company attempt to go back to basics and restore the faith of the “Hangover” faithful? In short, no.

Certainly “Part III” is a bit more watchable than “Part II,” but not by much. This time, it is not a wedding that brings the Wolf Pack together. Rather, it is the death of Doug’s (again, the underused Justin Bartha) father in-law Sid Garner (Jeffrey Tambor) that reunites the group. His death magnifies the worst of Alan’s (Galifianakis) “unique” mental state, prompting his friends and family to send him to rehab.

Shenanigans ensue when the Wolf Pack embarks on another road trip to get him to the facility. Somehow, it is all related to the Thai prison escape of the infamous Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), who has his own score settle. Before you can say “full circle!” the group crashes through Tijuana before landing in Las Vegas. Helms jokes that they should burn the city to the ground upon arrival, something you will wish was done to this script.

What is appalling about the “Hangover” sequels is just how relentlessly unfunny they play. Taking the group to Asia in “Part II” was often uncomfortable to watch. “Part III” keeps it all stateside and returning to Vegas was a wise choice. Yet, the entire enterprise begs the question, “Why are they together again?”

Mercifully, Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis have chemistry to spare. Yet, how does that explain recent Oscar nominee Cooper having nothing to do? How much lower does Helms have to go before redeeming himself from some horrible physical jokes? When will people admit that Galifianakis is playing a truly mentally ill person, something that is anything but funny? And who the hell thought of giving the excruciatingly grating Jeong that much screen time as Mr. Chow?

Vegas rules tell you to never chase the money. Here is one case where temptation truly corrupted a comedy paradise. This hangover won’t be cured until people stop buying tickets.