Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010
The Hangover
Sometimes it's a dilemma: what DVD should you rent? Do you want a date flick, an action caper, or a goofy comedy? Weekly Surge is here to help with our reviews of recently released DVDs, which we've watched from the comfort of that favorite recliner.
"The Hangover"
"The Hangover" is a raunchy comedy, centering scenes on some of the vilest topics and gags. What makes a comedy go from being funny to being universally funny? I guess it is a series of components falling into place in one way or another. But it is my job to try to explain these components and what makes them work. Component 1: An original plot, taking the audience along with the principle characters as they follow clues to try to decipher the blank slate left from the previous night's debauchery in Las Vegas. Component 2: Todd Phillips, the director, had a small victory in 2003 with "Old School" and followed it with two duds, "Starsky and Hutch" and "School for Scoundrels", banked his whole career on this movie, opting for a piece of the profits instead of a salary. He really handles this script well, keeping scenes packed with action or laughs but allowing the actors to experiment and seeing where the laughs lead. Component 3: The cast is superb. Recognizable actors but no big shoes to fill, Bradley Cooper is a good looking bastard that can get away with being a bastard because he's charming. Ed Helms is able to carry over the lovable geek from his regular gig on TV's "The Office" and Zach Galifianakis channels the brilliance of his standup directly into his oddball character. Gather all these components under a microscope and what do you have? A raunchy comedy that could have ended up nominated for an Oscar and that is just the beginning - they are already working on the sequel. Definitely worth renting, but not recommended for kids or family night.
"The Invention of Lying"
In the great tradition of movies that occur in alternate universes, this one happens in a world where the truth is the only mode of communication. That is until one guy comes along and discovers he can tell a lie, becoming the center of a world of nonfiction, having his way and molding reality to suit him. Ricky Gervais wrote, directed and starred in this cerebral comedy. Gervais has been on fire since creating TV's first version of "The Office" in England (playing the same role Steve Carell made famous here in the States) and then making fun of his success on HBO's "Extras." The supporting cast does a great job, Jennifer Garner as the out of Gervais' league love interest. Jonah Hill and Louis C.K. are great as Gervais' buddies and Rob Lowe is excellent as the handsome, smug asshole that looks entirely too comfortable playing the role of the handsome, smug asshole. The comedy is both subtle and over-the-top, an American movie written by a couple of British guys and it works for its performances and smart laughs - navigating most of the dialogue in the tight confines of the truth. Definitely worth the rent.
