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Hangover three effort a shadow
Movie Reviews
By Lynne Martin
THE HANGOVER PART III (2013) starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis is the anticipated wrap up of a record-breaking comedy franchise. Returning to Las Vegas where their adventures began four years prior, the ‘Wolfpack’ once again struggles to blend dark comedy with overt violence and the usual sprinkling of over-the-top theatrics.
Tapped by a local gangster to help capture their old friend/enemy Mr. Chow, the wizened yet eternally cursed Wolfpack must reluctantly return to Las Vegas. Conscious of their previous misadventures in Sin-City, the mismatched group of friends clumsily attempt to right old wrongs without bringing further harm to themselves or each other.
Without the established premise of alcohol or drug-induced amnesia, THE HANGOVER PART III feels like a movie scrambling for a link to its predecessors. Touted as the third part, this instalment will only appeal to diehard fans of the first two films. Repeat audiences looking for a link to earlier storylines will find familiar characters; however, new audiences will not be as amused or entertained by the weakly written script.
It doesn’t take long before Cooper and Helm’s lack lustre performances and their apparent apathy slides off the screen and filters down to the audience. It was obviously high time to put this premise to rest as the storyline had run out of steam and the third instalment feels like little more than a shadow of the original comedic brilliance.
Note: I suggest staying seated through the roll of the end credits as the most amusing part of this entire movie can be found in a brief epilogue that strangely has been set to play while the audience rises. Directed once again by Todd Phillips, Rated R, 100 mins, Comedy, Sequel. ***3 stars out of 5.
Epic offers few surprises
Loosely based on William Joyce’s book ‘The Leaf men and the Brave Good Bugs’, EPIC (2013) starring Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, and Beyonce Knowles has strong themes of loyalty similar to those seen in CAMELOT and KING ARTHUR. Honor and service to the crown are as predominate in this movie as love-of-nature and everything green.
Reluctantly moving back to her father’s home after her mother’s untimely death, a teenage girl finds herself strangely transported from her world into that of miniature and magical creatures secretly inhabiting the skies and forest floor. The Queen of this magic land with her loyal army of Leaf Men fight to protect all that is good and green. Warring endlessly with evil forces who dream of turning the forest into a dead wasteland of rotten and decrepit vegetation, the beautiful Queen has more to protect that just her own reign.
EPIC in 3D is a computer-generated movie that offers little by way of surprise. As expected from the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, the special effects are impressive; however, the storyline can be a little difficult for young children to follow. With overwhelming themes of sacrifice for the crown, children under 10 can easily lose track of the story. My own three-year-old male guest did enjoy the action; however on leaving the theatre was unable to name a single character. Overwhelmed with the sheer flood of faces and bewildered by the adult themed plotline, he chose to just keep repeating the one-word title as no single character captured his imagination.
A safe bet for family entertainment, look out for ‘Ozzy’, the seriously funny three-legged dog. Directed by Chris Wedge, Rated PG, 104 mins, Animation, Adventure, Family. ***3 stars out of 5.
– Lynne Martin is an avid movie collector and a staunch supporter of sexual education. She currently resides in Alberta, Canada with her husband and their large extended family. For a complete list of her reviews and other works, or to leave a comment, please go to: www.lynnemartinbooks.com.
