Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don't always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined.

The great thing about the Hangover and its sequel is most of the craziness happens off screen with just hints at the madness that unfolded. This works well for three reasons the first being that it leaves it to our imaginations to fill in all the blanks making the craziness and madness of the night only as small as your imagination. Secondly it’s like watching a mystery unfold as you try and unravel all the pieces which keeps you glued to your seat waiting for the next hint to the mystery. And thirdly because it does unfold and we do get to see and hear what happens but in small doses which is fantastic pacing for the comedy constantly hitting you with another funny tidbit. The Hangover and its sequel are comedic masterpieces that keep you laughing throughout as the madness of the night is revealed.

This time around the “wolf pack” find themselves in Bangkok for Stu’s wedding which allows the film to up the ante on the craziness. Lost in an exotic city where all mayhem broke loose from a monkey dealing drugs to the Bride’s little brother who turns up missing and only leaves a finger behind as a clue. In a genre of one upmanship the film finds ways to up the events of the first film and keep the surprises coming. Never knowing what might be coming is half the fun of the Hangover. What can they do to top themselves once more and waiting for those end credits to finally get a full glimpse at everything that happened in a night of madness. The Hangover is a rare comedy/mystery that keeps you guessing and laughing at the same time.

I am not sure what the reasoning is for them basically writing Doug played by Justin Bartha out of the story this time around. But he does not take place in the nights festivities and is basically just a sidenote every now and then for the film. Why include him in the film if you’re not going to include him the film. Instead a lot more screen time is given to Ken Jeong who revises his role as Mr. Chow the crazy Asian locked in their trunk for the first film. Sure Jeong can be funny and is a nice third wheel so to speak but the film seemed to be missing that last element in the wolfpack without Bartha. Each of the characters had their roles from the completely unglued and moronic Alan, to the wilder Phil, to the goody two shoes Stu with a dark side and finally to the good natured Doug. And by leaving Doug out this time you completely cut a dynamic out of the film.

Not surprisingly Bradley Cooper gets a more front role in the sequel as his rise to the A list since the last movie. But the film is an ensemble not just a solo piece and it’s how well the cast works together that makes it so good. Each character and actor brings something different to the table and also gives you someone you can relate with. Maybe your more of a Doug than Alan or a Stu but by having all the characters there is a little for everyone. The Hangover Part II is as funny and outrageous as the original and a great sequel.

Grade: B+