The Death of Stalin

Based on the graphic novel La Mort de Staline by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin, The Death of Stalin is a fictionalized story about the death of Joseph Stalin where several of his associates try to figure out what to do with some fighting each other to be the next leader of the Soviet Union. Directed by Armando Iannucci and screenplay by Iannucci, David Schneider, and Ian Martin, the film is a satirical political comedy that explores a power struggle within the Soviet Union as it gets out of control with those wanting to make some changes with others wanting to maintain Stalin’s legacy. Starring Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Paddy Considine, Rupert Friend, Jason Isaacs, Olga Kurylenko, Michael Palin, Andrea Riseborough, Adrian McLaughlin, Paul Whitehouse, Dermot Crowley, Paul Chahidi, and Jeffrey Tambor. The Death of Stalin is a wild and farcical film from Armando Iannucci.

It’s 1953 in the Soviet Union as Joseph Stalin is content with his rule until he suffers a cerebral hemorrhage and later dies leaving government officials unsure of what to do next and who should take over as the leader of the Soviet Union. That is the film’s plot as a whole where it is about the death of a leader of a superpower and everyone trying to figure out if they should tell the country that their leader had died as well as who should replace him officially. The film’s screenplay by Armando Iannucci, David Schneider, and Ian Martin with contributions by Peter Fellows explore a real-life event as it is dramatized into a farce that relates to power struggles, conspiracies, and all sorts of shit that happens following the death of a world leader. The story opens with Joseph Stalin (Adrian McLaughlin) listening to a live orchestra as he wants a recording of it where its lead radio broadcaster Yuri Andreyev asks the orchestra to play the entire concerto all over again for Stalin which prompts pianist Maria Yudina (Olga Kurylenko) to slip a note into the recording sleeve that Stalin would find while he listens to the recording.

It is when Stalin would suffer his hemorrhage as Interior Ministry head Lavrentiy Beria (Simon Russell Beale) would be the second person to find Stalin in that state after the maid was the first to report what had happened. Moscow Party head Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Deputy General Secretary Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor) would get the word as they all try to cover things but also contact Stalin’s daughter Svetlana (Andrea Riseborough) and his troubled son Vasily (Rupert Friend) as it leads to more chaos. The film’s script play into these meetings between various officials including the Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotiv (Michael Palin) to discuss funeral plans while there’s some backstabbing, scheming, and all sorts of shit about who should be the leader with Beria making Malenkov the new leader of the Soviet Union despite his inexperience in political matters. Many would also question whether Stalin would go for anything that is happening with Khrushchev trying to fix everything as he knows that Beria is causing trouble as he also appeals to a few to get rid of Beria who is threatening everyone with blackmail as a way to maintain his position of power.

Iannucci’s direction is definitely engaging in terms of its usage of hand-held cameras as well as maintain this air of disorder throughout the course of the film. Shot mainly in Britain with some exterior shots set in Kiev, Ukraine as the exterior of 1950s Moscow, Iannucci play into some of the absurdity that goes during the final days of Stalinism where he would shoots scenes of people getting killed though it’s shown mainly off screen while there are these moments of a list of who to kill and such as it is presented in this amazing dolly-tracking shot at a prison. While there’s some wide shots of the location including some striking wide compositions of a few conversations that goes inside the Kremlin and at other places. Much of Iannucci’s direction is intimate with its usage of hand-held cameras to capture some of the conversations whether it’s in a close-up or in a medium shot.

Iannucci also uses a lot of profane language for the film as it play into the frustration and chaos that ensues following Stalin’s death as well as the planning of the funeral that Khrushchev is tasked with. The scene of people walking to see Stalin’s casket for a state funeral where Khrushchev, Beria, Molotiv, Malenkov, and several others are bickering quietly while not facing each other as their backs are surrounding the casket. The film’s third act that would involve the actions of Field Marshal Georgy Zhukov (Jason Isaacs) who adds to chaos while Malenkov believes he has authority where he is in denial over his new role. Iannucci’s approach to the climax relates to this end of an era but also the beginning of something new though the ideas of the old would come to haunt this new era that would play into the demise of the Soviet Union. Overall, Iannucci creates a whimsical yet exhilarating film about a power struggle among government officials following the death of Joseph Stalin.

Cinematographer Zac Nicholson does amazing work with the film’s cinematography with its low-key approach to some of the exterior scenes at night including the streets of Moscow during a funeral march as well as some dazzling lights for some of the scenes at the halls of the Kremlin. Editor Peter Lambert does excellent work with the editing with its usage of jump-cuts to play into some of the humor as well as the film’s chaotic tone. Production designer Cristina Casali, with set decorator Charlotte Dirickx plus art directors Jane Brodie and David Hindle, does incredible work with the interior of Stalin’s home and his office as well as the rooms and halls inside the Kremlin and in the prisons. Costume designer Suzie Harman does fantastic work with the uniforms including the ridiculous white one that Malenkov would wear during the funeral as well the numerous medals that Zhukov wears.

Hair/makeup designer Nicole Stafford does superb work with the look of Stalin as well as the scar in Zhukov’s face. Special effects supervisor Neal Champion, along with visual effects supervisors Laurent Gillet and Ronald Grauer, does terrific work with some of the film’s minimal visual effects including some set dressing for the exteriors to present 1950s Moscow. Sound mixer Martin Beresford does wonderful work with the sound as it is largely straightforward as it also play into the chaos in some of the arguments that is heard in another room as well as the sounds of gunshots from afar. The film’s music by Chris Willis is brilliant for its orchestral score that feature bombastic string arrangements that is similar to the traditional Soviet music of the times while its soundtrack feature an array of classical music pieces.

The casting by Sarah Crowe is great as it feature some notable small roles from Justin Edwards and Nicholas Woodeson as a couple of orchestral conductors for the concerto that Stalin wanted a recording of, Sylvestra Le Touzel as Khrushchev’s wife Nina, Diana Quick as Molotov’s incarcerated wife Polina who is freed after Stalin’s death, Gerald Lepkowski as a young Leonid Brezhnev, and Adrian McLaughlin as Joseph Stalin as this leader who rules with an iron fist until he suddenly falls ill and then dies. The trio of Dermot Crowley, Paul Chahidi, and Paul Whitehouse in their respective roles as deputy chairman Lazar Kaganovich, council chairman Nikolai Bulganin, and political official Anastas Mikoyan as three men who are trying to figure out who to side with as well as ponder what to do next for the Soviet Union.

Rupert Friend is hilarious as Vasily Stalin as Stalin’s alcoholic and unstable son who believes his father’s death was a conspiracy created by Westerners while Andrea Riseborough is fantastic as Stalin’s daughter Svetlana who is trying to make sense of what happened but is also angry over the chaos that is happening where Riseborough gets a few moments to be funny. Paddy Considine is superb as the Soviet radio broadcaster Yuri Andreyev who is trying to get a recording of a concerto to happen while Olga Kurylenko is terrific as pianist Maria Yudina who hates Stalin as she reluctantly re-plays the concerto and later his funeral. Jason Isaacs is excellent as Field Marshal Georgy Zhukov as this no-nonsense military official who is upset over his army being confined to the barracks as he also has some simmering issues with Beria. Jeffrey Tambor is brilliant as Deputy General Secretary Georgy Malenkov who becomes Beria’s puppet as he believes he is going to become the next leader despite his inexperience and denial over the fact that he has no clue on how to run a country.

Michael Palin is amazing as Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov as a political official who was close to Stalin as he deals with the aftermath as well as do some political maneuvering knowing that Beria is a liability to the future of the Soviet Union. Simon Russell Beale is incredible as Interior Ministry head Lavrentiy Beria as this political official trying to maneuver, backstab, and bullshit his way into power while trying to maintain some idea of what he feel could be beneficial to the Soviet Union. Finally, there’s Steve Buscemi in a phenomenal performance as Nikita Khrushchev who was then the Moscow party head as he is trying to figure out what to do next as he is tasked to plan Stalin’s funeral while realizing that he has to take the reins in leading the Soviet Union as it’s a comical and engaging performance from Buscemi.

The Death of Stalin is a spectacular film from Armando Iannucci. Featuring a great ensemble cast, witty commentary on political scheming, gorgeous visuals, and a sumptuous music score and satirical views on history. The film is definitely a wild comedy that isn’t afraid to be profane nor is it trying to follow a historical event in total accuracy in favor of studying a group of individuals fighting for power. In the end, The Death of Stalin is a sensational film from Armando Iannucci.

Related: In the Loop

© thevoid99 2019

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 11/22/04 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Based on the animated TV show by Stephen Hillenburg, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is the story of a sponge who tries to retrieve the crown of King Neptune with the help of his dim-witted starfish friend Patrick in the hopes they can save their hometown of Bikini Bottom. Written and directed by Stephen Hillenburg and Derek Drymon, the film is a witty yet off-the-wall animated film that has an optimistic sponge trying to save his town and deal with who he is. Featuring the voices of show regulars Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Mr. Lawrence, Clancy Brown, Roger Bumpass, Carolyn Lawrence, Mary Jo Calett, and Jill Taley along with guest voices from Jeffrey Tambor, Scarlett Johansson, and Alec Baldwin plus a cameo appearance from David Hasselhoff. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a very silly yet fantastic film from Stephen Hillenburg and Derek Drymon.

It’s a lovely day in Bikini Bottom as a young yellow sponge named SpongeBob (voice by Tom Kenny) who is in anticipation for the opening of the second Krusty Krab where he awaits the promotion of manager. Living with his pet snail Gary (Tom Kenny), SpongeBob meets up with his neighbor and fellow employee Squidward (Roger Bumpass) and SpongeBob’s best friend Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke). With everyone in anticipation for the opening of the second Krusty Krab that was founded by Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown), Krabs’ arch nemesis Plankton (Mr. Lawrence) is angry over Krabs’ success and how he often failed into stealing the formula for the Krabby Patty. With his computer wife Karen (Jill Taley), Plankton goes through his files where he finds Plan Z, a plan that he has never used. Meanwhile at the opening of the second Krabby Patty, SpongeBob learns that Squidward is going to be promoted since Krabs felt that SpongeBob is too young to be a manager.

With SpongeBob depressed over the position, Patrick tries to cheer him up at an ice cream bar where the two get very drunk over ice cream. Meanwhile, Plankton goes to the home of King Neptune (Jeffrey Tambor) where he steals the crown that upsets Neptune who is in denial over his bald spot. With a note that claims that Mr. Krabs has stolen the crown, SpongeBob comes into his defense where he and Patrick will try to retrieve it in six days where the crown is in a place called Shell City. With Krabs frozen on ice, it’s up to SpongeBob and Patrick to save the city where Plankton meanwhile, took the opportunity to steal the Krabby Patty formula as his Chum Bucket restaurant becomes successful.

With Plankton learning of SpongeBob’s adventure, he hires a bike-toting assassin named Dennis (Alec Baldwin) to take them out as Squidward learned what has happened after seeing the town of Bikini Bottom wearing buckets on their heads where it is revealed to be a controlling device as fellow citizens including Sandy (Carolyn Lawrence) and Mrs. Puff (Mary Jo Calett) are under control. On their way to Shell City, SpongeBob and Patrick encounter tough creatures in a bar where bubble blowing isn’t allowed and after that, they encounter a monster where another monster eats it, as did their patty-car. Saddened, the two feel that as kids, they can’t really do anything. Coming to their aid is Neptune’s daughter Mindy (Scarlett Johansson) who gives them a boost of confidence as they continue their adventures. Unfortunately, the two meet up with Dennis and then get captured by an underwater seaman called a Cyclops. SpongeBob and Patrick feel they failed only to persevere with the help of David Hasselhoff (played by the real David Hasselhoff). Will SpongeBob and Patrick save Bikini Bottom? How does SpongeBob defeat Plankton? And will Patrick get a chance to score with Mindy? And why is Neptune insecure about his bald spot?

While most films are often predictable in its storylines, the works because of its traditional storylines and obstacles the characters have to endure. While some fans will be upset that major characters like Sandy, Gary, and Mrs. Puff aren’t used very much, the story and quirkiness of SpongeBob remains in tact thanks to some inspiring direction from Hillenburg and Drymon along with a wonderfully crafted script. The film’s real payoff is in the third act where everything begins to… rock! The film’s balance of offbeat comedy and heartfelt characters and storylines is really the core of SpongeBob since we root for the little sponge and his upbeat attitude. In some cases, the movie is kind of a character study film where the characters do evolve and go through all of these obstacles that they had to endure.

The film’s overall is mostly hand-drawn animated and it works really well here thanks to Hillenburg and Drymon’s directing along with a group of animation directors where the look of the film is really unique in its drawing. While 3-D computer animation may be the new thing, the film reminds viewers that even old-school hand-drawn animation can work, without that glossy Disney-sheen that many are used to. The film is really geared more towards eccentrics, especially in the live-action sequences where the effects look great along with the cinematography and production design. Another thing that makes the film have a great atmosphere is the music, thanks to great cutting edge tracks from Wilco, the Shins, the Flaming Lips, Motorhead, and a hilarious remake of Twisted Sister’s I Want To Rock with a bit of David Lee Roth’s cover of Just A Gigolo in the mix. Yeah, the theme song version by Avril Lavigne sucks but thankfully, it wasn’t heard in the film as pirates in the live action sequences did a hilarious version of it.

Credit should also go to the film’s cast for their voices and characters. Alec Baldwin really gives a nice tone to the performance of Dennis while Jeffrey Tambor is extremely funny in his role as King Neptune. Scarlett Johansson is wonderfully amazing and funny in her voice of Mindy (who sort of looks like Johansson’s Ghost World co-star Thora Birch’s Enid), who provides a voice of reason for Neptune while helping out SpongeBob in his quest to find the crown. Clancy Brown is also funny in the role of the money-grubbing Mr. Krabs while Roger Bumpass is very funny as well as the cynical Squidward. Mr. Lawrence is diabolical as Plankton while Bill Fagerbakke is always funny in the idiotic Patrick, who is the perfect sidekick to every epic film. Tom Kenny is the real star with his voice work as SpongeBob with his nasally-vocals and that awesome laugh. The film’s best performance overall goes to David Hasselhoff who makes fun of himself in his Baywatch persona where in the third act, he steals the show as Hasselhoff proves that he’s cool again despite those bad albums he’s made.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is an excellent film from Stephen Hillenburg and Derek Drymon. The film isn't just a faithful feature-length version of the SpongeBob SquarePants story but also a film that manages to be weird enough that appeals to kids and adults. Especially as it toes the line of what is offbeat and what is crude. In the end, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is an awesome film from Stephen Hillenburg and Derek Drymon.

© thevoid99 2014

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 7/13/08 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro and screenplay by del Toro based on a story by del Toro and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is the story about an exiled prince who returns in hopes to revive an indestructible army to rid humanity forever. Hellboy and his team is asked to stop the prince while dealing with new challenges that would have Hellboy question about humanity. The film is a more ambitious story than its predecessor as features elements of mythology and folklore to add more complexity to the story as Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, and an appearance from John Hurt return to play their roles from the previous film. Also starring Luke Goss, Anna Walton, John Alexander, Brian Steele, and the voice of Seth MacFarlane as Johann Krause. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is an exciting and visually-marvelous film from Guillermo del Toro.

After leaving in exile following a peace treaty between humans mythical creatures that included elves, trolls, and goblins, Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) decides to return after many years where humans had overtaken the magical world. With help from troll cohort Wink (Brian Steele), they break into an auction house to kill people with a swarm of killer tooth fairies. The incident gets the attention of FBI head Tom Manning (Jeffrey Tambor) as he needs Hellboy (Ron Perlman), Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), and Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) to investigate. The timing couldn't have been worse due to Hellboy and Liz's relationship problems while Manning is trying to keep Hellboy a secret to the public. After a battle with tooth fairies, Liz's pyrokinetic powers would help rid of the tooth fairies while Hellboy is official exposed to the public much to Manning's dismay. After this incident in which Hellboy enjoys the public attention, Manning brings in German agent Johann Krauss (John Alexander & James Dodd), a psychic with an ectoplasmic soul contained in a suit, take lead the team.

Prince Nuada makes his return to the old kingdom to meet his father King Balor (Roy Doctrice) and twin sister Princess Nuala (Anna Walton) in wanting the two remaining crown pieces to revive the Golden Army. King Balor and Nuala refuses as Balor reluctantly has Nuada executed only for things to go wrong with Nuala fleeing. After observing the dead body of a tooth fairy, Krauss leads Hellboy and Abe to the secret troll market under the Brooklyn Bridge where they would encounter mythical creatures as Hellboy would fight Wink while Abe finds Nuala whom he falls for. After retrieving Nuala as she tells them about the crown piece she's holding, Hellboy remembers the story of the Golden Army that Professor Bruttenholm (John Hurt) had told him when he was a kid (Montse Ribe). Yet, Nuada would have Hellboy fight off the Element creature as Hellboy would succeed in saving people but a misunderstanding would have him wondering if he would ever be accepted by humanity. With Nuala staying at the BPRD headquarters, Abe and Nuala bond over books as he later asks Hellboy for advice on love. Yet, Nuada and Nuala's psychic connections would have him break into the BPRD headquarters that left Hellboy wounded and Nuala captured.

Needing to get the piece of spear out of Hellboy, Liz and Abe decided to go the old palace where the Golden Army lives as Krauss decides to help them. After meeting a goblin who takes them to the Angel of Death (Doug Jones), the figure would help Hellboy though warns Liz about the role he's destined to play. Still, Hellboy and the team decides to confront Nuada and the Golden Army in hopes to save the world once again.

What makes The Golden Army superior than its predecessor isn't just a bigger, more ambitious story. It also explores the character of Hellboy who tries to be accepted by everyone only forced to grow up as Liz makes an announcement that would change their lives. Screenwriter Guillermo del Toro creates a story where Hellboy and his team fight a prince whose ignorance blinds him as he's convinced that humanity will destroy the world. Though Hellboy might agree with Prince Nuada's statements, he is someone who lives with humans as he knows that there's good in them despite their flaws. What del Toro does is create a unique story that is mystical and also delve into reality. At the same time, another aspect that makes The Golden Army superior than its predecessor is that del Toro allows a few supporting characters to get more screen time and development.

The direction of del Toro is truly superb as he creates new worlds that Hellboy and his team explore. The film also exemplifies del Toro's love for fantasy and mythology as he brings a more broader scope to the film. Though some of the look of the creatures and worlds that del Toro bring might be considered leftovers from his 2006 film Pan's Labyrinth, the world he creates including the Troll Market under the Brooklyn Bridge is truly fascinating while holding true to mythology and children's fantasy. Notably in the film's opening prologue where Professor Bruttenholm tells the young Hellboy about the story of the Golden Army in a rich animated sequence that is truly unforgettable. The success of del Toro's direction is bringing in a balance of drama, action, adventure, and humor. The humor is very witty and sarcastic as there's a great comical moment that involves Hellboy and Abe drinking beers about their love life while listening and singing to Barry Manilow's Can't Smile Without You.

What the film does make clear is that del Toro is becoming more confident and ambitious in his vision while being grounded in just telling a story and developing great characters. He's a director that can do both in directing actors into what they should do while balancing out with visual effects and such. Notably the film's opening scene of the Golden Army story that is a mix of puppetry and animation as del Toro's use of style works. The result is a film that's more solid and full of visual splendors as Guillermo del Toro makes Hellboy a hero we all can love and relate to.

Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro does a fantastic job with his lighting style of flashy, yellow-sepia awash colors along with blue while getting to add more color for some of the film's exterior scenes. Notably the scenes in Northern Ireland as Navarro captures a wide scope to the exterior look while a lot of the film is shot in its interiors with the exception of New York City and Brooklyn. Navarro's work is definitely top-notch though it doesn't top the brilliant, Oscar-winning work he did in Pan's Labyrinth. Editor Bernat Vilaplana does a fine job with the film's editing and transitional cuts while also employing great, stylized transitions and split-shots to emphasize the film's roots in comic book form.

Production designer Stephen Scott along with set decorator Elli Griff and supervising art director Peter Francis do great work on the film's set design for the decayed but urban look of the Troll Market, the ancient yet rich world of the mythological creatures, and the BPRD base that Hellboy lives in that includes a cameo from one of the set pieces of del Toro's 2001 film The Devil's Backbone. Costume designer Sammy Sheldon does a fascinating job with the look of Nuada and Nuala's clothing that is rich and colorful that is large contrast to the more urban look that Hellboy and Liz wears. Makeup designer Mike Elizalde does great work in the look of the several characters in the film including a pale-like look for Nuada and Nuala, the looks of the trolls and the characters that Doug Jones and Brian Steele plays.

Visual effects supervisor Mike Wassel does a great job in the look of CGI-created monsters like the Elemental and the tooth fairies while adding a great visual splendor to their looks as the monsters and trolls have an innocent look as well as something menacing. Longtime sound designer Martin Hernandez along with sound editor Scott Martin Gershin do great work in the film's sound work for the growls of the monsters, the atmosphere of the different locations the characters are in and the conflicts they get into. Music composer Danny Elfman creates a sweeping yet energetic film score to accompany the film's sense of action and humor while creating great theme pieces to accompany the characters and their situations, notably Johann Krauss. The film's soundtrack is a mix of melodic alternative music, rock, metal, and surprisingly, in cheesy form, Barry Manilow.

The casting by Zsolt Csutak and Jeremy Zimmerman, who plays the auctioneer at the auction, do an excellent job in assembling the film's cast that includes a cameo from talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and a fun performance from Montse Ribe as the young Hellboy. Brian Steele does great work in playing multiple roles as the troll monster Wink along with several creatures including a spice shop owner, and the man who would give Nuala the map. Roy Dotrice is good as the aging King Balor who tries to tell his son not to revive the Golden Army. John Alexander and James Dodd do great work in playing the glass-suit wearing Johan Krauss while Alexander also does work as the Goblin who created the Golden Army. Yet, it's Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame who brings a comical, know-it-all personality as the voice of Johann Krauss, who often dukes it out with Hellboy.

Though John Hurt only makes a brief appearance as Professor Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm, Hurt's lone appearance is definitely memorable and full of class as he tells the young Hellboy the story of the Golden Army with such grace that it was good of del Toro to give him an appearance since his character is an important part to Hellboy's story. Jeffrey Tambor is good as Tom Manning, the FBI head who tries to deal with Hellboy's yearning for publicity while finding time to suck up to Johann Krauss over his by-the-book personality. Anna Walton is wonderful as Nuala, the princess who tries to hide the final piece of the crown as she also finds herself smitten with Abe Sapien as Walton's performance is truly mesmerizing. Though the character of Nuada is a bit one-dimensional, Luke Goss makes Nuada into a truly memorable villain who is just ignorant yet powerful as he tries to wipe out humanity while being a true badass who can match up against Hellboy.

Selma Blair is great as Liz Sherman, Hellboy's girlfriend who tries to deal with issues of their relationship while carrying a secret that will change their lives. Blair makes Liz into a more confident, more menacing figure than in the first film as she gains full control of her fire-starting powers while dealing with Hellboy's emotions of rejection as she makes an unexpected move into saving him. Doug Jones is superb in his work in playing three roles. While the roles of the Chamberlain and the Angel of Death are small, they're memorable for their look and presence yet it's Jones' work as Abe Sapien that is hypnotic to watch. Doing the voice of Sapien this time around, instead of David Hyde Pierce in the first film. Jones brings a new personality and innocence to the fish-like character as he deals with his first crush and love while his scenes with Perlman are wonderfully funny.

Ron Perlman is once again brilliant in his role as Hellboy by bringing that great mix of being a hero and a sarcastic figure. Yet, Perlman manages to explore the depths of Hellboy's character as he deals with rejection from humanity after a misunderstanding while pondering his role in that world. Perlman's approach to drama is subtle while getting to do more comic moments in scenes that involve Johann Krauss and Abe Sapien as Perlman's comedic timing is great. Especially since Perlman is allowed to bring a lot of charm and wit to the character of Hellboy while sharing the spotlight with his fellow actors.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a brilliant, visually-spectacular, and entertaining film from Guillermo del Toro that tops its predecessor. The film clearly shows del Toro's talent for creating entertaining stories with great visual splendor and heartfelt yet funny characters. With a great cast led by Ron Perlman, Doug Jones, and Selma Blair, the Hellboy sequel is clearly one of the year's best summer blockbusters as well as one of the smartest. In the end, for a hero that likes to smoke cigars, have some witty one-liners, and just likes to fight. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is the film to go see.

Guillermo del Toro Film: Cronos - Mimic/Mimic (Director's Cut) - The Devil's Backbone - Blade II - Hellboy - Pan's Labyrinth - Pacific Rim - Crimson Peak - The Shape of Water - Nightmare Alley (2021 film) - Pinocchio (2022 film) - The Auteurs #10: Guillermo del Toro

© thevoid99 2012

Hellboy

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 7/10/08 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Based on Mike Mignola's comic book, Hellboy is the story of a red, demonic creature from Hell as he is raised by a professor while fighting other demons for the U.S. government. Directed by Guillermo del Toro with script adaptation by del Toro and Peter Briggs along with additional work from Mike Mignola, the film is a different take on the comic book hero by focusing on a monster with a heart while straying from the origin stories of most comic-book film adaptations. Playing the role of the titular character is del Toro regular Ron Perlman as the cast includes Doug Jones, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans, Jeffrey Tambor, Ladislav Beran, Karel Roden, and John Hurt. The result is an entertaining yet visually-astonishing film from Guillermo del Toro.

After encountering a creature during an attack on Nazis in 1944, a young professor named Trevor Bruttenholm (Kevin Trainor) would take this little red infant with a big hand and little devil horns and raise him as he's dubbed Hellboy. 60 years later, Bruttenholm (John Hurt) runs the top secret Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) that Hellboy is a part of along with a fish-like psychic humanoid named Abe Sapien (Doug Jones w/ the voice of Abe Sapien). A young FBI agent named John Myers (Rupert Evans) joins the team as he's selected to be part of the team as he fills in for the absent Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) who has checked into a mental hospital due to her control issues with her pyro-kinetic abilities. Myers joins Hellboy and Abe on a mission to fight a creature that is starting to attack the city where Hellboy would encounter a mysterious man (Karel Roden) where Abe discovers that the man is a revived Grigori Rasputin. With Rasputin's aide Isla von Haupstein (Biddy Hodson) and their assassin Karl Ruprecht Kroenen (Ladislav Beren), Bruttenholm realizes what is going on through Abe's psychic visions.

After the battle with the monster, Hellboy sneaks out to visit Liz where she is later visited by Rasputin who makes her lose control of her powers. After discovering the eggs that were latched on Hellboy's body from the fight with the monster, Abe and Bruttenholm figure out what is going on as Bruttenholm revealed to Abe and Myers that he's dying and doesn't want Hellboy to know. After Liz's hospital incident, Myers convinces her to return to the BPRD following another botched mission where Hellboy encountered more monsters including the assassin Kroenen. Though Hellboy is happy for Liz's returns, she decides to spend time with Myers much to his dismay. Bruttenholm discover Kroenen's body as he is aware it's going to back to life where he would also encounter Rasputin who tries to get Bruttenholm to see a vision of the role that Hellboy is destined to play. After Rasputin's break-in and Kroenen's escape, FBI head Tom Manning (Jeffrey Tambor) takes over as Hellboy, Liz, and Myers go to Russia with Manning to stop Rasputin with the aid of a corpse named Ivan (voice of Guillermo del Toro). There, Hellboy is forced to deal with his true roots and destiny where he faces Rasputin and various creatures in all-out battle over the fate of Earth.

Most comic book adaptations often tell the story of how heroes became who they are and such. For Hellboy, it's different though the film's first 10-15 minutes tell the story of how he's found by Professor Bruttenholm. Instead, the film does act like a standard, comic book type of film but with a mix of dry humor, lots of action, and elements of horror and fantasy. Co-writer/director Guillermo del Toro plays true to the film's comic book standard story while adding a bunch of hilarious one liners, a sense of improvisation, a lot of action, and moments of fantasy. Though the plot and story has moments of predictability that comes with most comic book film adaptations, del Toro makes up for it with humor and accessible characters where Hellboy knows he's a hero. One who likes to eat loads of pancakes, Baby Ruth, chomp on cigars, and listen to Tom Waits.

The direction of del Toro is truly superb with a lot of style and flair as he creates a film that is true to the look of a comic book but meshed with fantasy. From the look of New York City and New Jersey to the look of Russia, del Toro has amassed a look that is true to his love of comics and fantasy while adding elements of monsters and creatures that are a mix of puppetry and visual effects. Guillermo del Toro also creates moments where he lets the audience have a break from the action for characters to develop and even delve into humor and drama. The approach that del Toro creates is truly solid and definitely a film that is true to both his own vision as well as Mike Mignola.

Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro creates a wonderful look to the film on a visual scale with use of blue-green lights for some of the film's exterior scenes in Russia as well as some of the battle scenes with Sammael. Navarro's sepia-like, yellowish look is truly wonderful and awash with style as Navarro's work is definitely a highlight of the film. Editor Peter Amundson does some excellent job with the film's leisurely yet rhythmic pacing while creating great cuts for action and drama for the film's sense of style and such. Production designer Stephen Scott along with set decorator Hilton Rosemarin, and supervising art director Simon Lamont do an amazing job in the look of the underground base that Hellboy lives in, the look of New York City, and the world of Rasputin.

Costume designer Wendy Partridge does an excellent job with the film's costumes with the Nazi garb that Rasputin and his cohorts wear to the long trench coat that Hellboy wears as it adds a sense of coolness to the character. Makeup designer Rick Baker does an amazing job with the film's look for several of the film's characters including Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Sammael. Especially in the work Baker and his team create for the actors in playing those roles along with Baker's brilliant special effects work. Visual effects supervisors Edward Irastorza and Jonathan Rothbart do great work on the look of the monsters and look for some of the film's spectacular scenes that involves Rasputin's look into the future and such. Sound designer Steve Boeddeker and editors Frank E. Eulner and Robert Shoup do great work in the sounds of gunshots, growls (provided by Guillermo del Toro), and such to add a sense of fantasy and horror to the mix.

Music composer Marco Beltrami does some excellent work on the film's music with use of a string orchestra to emphasize on the film's action, drama, and humor while creating triumphant themes for some of the film's action. Beltrami's score is definitely excellent and top notch. The soundtrack features a diverse mix of music ranging from Tom Waits, Vera Lynn, Pete Yorn covering Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds' Red Right Hand, Palo Alto, Johnny Crawford, and Al Green for emphasis on humor and such.

The casting by Jeremy Zimmerman is definitely top notch with cameos by del Toro and comic book writer Mike Mignola as onlookers in a battle scene along with cinematographer Guillermo Navarro's two kids Alvaro and Emilio also as onlookers. Small roles from Angus MacInnes as a World War II sergeant, Jim Howick as a WWII corporal, and in the roles of FBI agents, Brian Caspe James Babson, and Stephen Fisher. Brian Steele does some great work in playing the Sammael monster with his miming movements while notable, standout small roles from Corey Johnson and Kevin Trainor as their respective roles as Agent Clay and the young Professor Bruttenholm are also good. Biddy Hodson is excellent as Rasputin's loyal assistant and lover Isla with her sneering delivery while Ladislav Beran is great as the mute assassin Kroenen.

Karel Roden, who worked with del Toro on Blade II, is brilliant as the villainous Rasputin whose desire for power and terror is matched by his huge presence as a man who is hell-bent on destroying the world and such. Roden's work is great for just being an excellent villain. Jeffrey Tambor is wonderfully funny as Tom Manning, the FBI director who often has issues with Hellboy as he serves as the comic relief for the film. Rupert Evans is excellent as John Myers, the agent sent to be Hellboy's reluctant partner as he tries to help Liz deal with her issues while trying to help Hellboy about his role. Though Doug Jones doesn't actually speak, with an un-credited David Hyde Pierce doing the voice, Jones' performance as Abe Sapien is great for its movements and such as Jones brings life to the character.

John Hurt is wonderful as Professor "Bloom" Bruttenholm, Hellboy's adopted father who worries for what would happen to his son when he won't be around. Hurt's performance is full of class and brilliance as an old man whose knowledge of the occult and magic shows a man who teaches his son about doing what is right. Selma Blair is great as Liz Sherman, a pyrokinetic woman with special powers struggling to deal with those powers and the harm it has caused as well as her relationship with Hellboy. Blair's performance is definitely the anchor needed for Hellboy's own recklessness as the chemistry she and Perlman have is great.

Finally, there's Ron Perlman in the title role as it's a rare leading performance for the veteran actor for any kind of U.S. studio picture. Perlman definitely sells the role with such wit, humor, and charm as he plays a hero who likes being a hero while getting to smoke a cigar and fighting monsters. It's the kind of role that most actors can't do but Perlman does it with such ease, it's as if he's born to play the character as he proves he can be a badass with a heart of gold despite being the biological son of the Devil. It's a great performance from Perlman who often doesn't get a lot of work outside Europe or playing roles fitted for character actors.

Hellboy is a superb and well-crafted film from Guillermo del Toro that features an outstanding performance from Ron Perlman. Along with with great supporting work from Selma Blair, Doug Jones, John Hurt, Karel Roden, Rupert Evans, and Jeffrey Tambor. It's a comic-book action film that has great visuals as well as a strong story that is a cut above most comic-book adaptations. Notably as it features a lot of heart in the complex relationships that del Toro wanted to create that allows its audience to relate to its titular character. In the end, Hellboy is an entertaining yet evocative film from Guillermo del Toro.

Guillermo del Toro Films: Cronos - Mimic/Mimic (Director's Cut) - The Devil's Backbone - Blade II - Pan's Labyrinth - Hellboy II: The Golden Army - Pacific Rim - Crimson Peak - The Shape of Water - Nightmare Alley (2021 film) - Pinocchio (2022 film) - The Auteurs #10: Guillermo del Toro

© thevoid99 2012

Win Win

Written and directed Thomas McCarthy from a story co-written with Joe Tiboni, Win Win is the story about an attorney and high school wrestling coach who is appointed an elderly client suffering from dementia. When the client’s grandson shows up, the attorney reluctantly takes him in to live with his family while putting him on the wrestling team. The film explores a man’s willingness to try and do the right thing while dealing with the realities of the world. Starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Alex Shaffer, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Melanie Lynskey, Margo Martindale, and Burt Young. Win Win is a witty yet heartfelt comedy-drama from Thomas McCarthy.

Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) is an attorney struggling to maintain his law practice with friend Stephen Vigman (Jeffrey Tambor) as the two also coach the local high school wrestling team. While he’s also raising two girls with his wife Jackie (Amy Ryan), Mike is dealing with financial problems as he takes in aging client named Leo (Burt Young) who is suffering from the early stages of dementia. Unable to reach Leo’s daughter Cindy (Melanie Lynskey) and Leo is to be in the care of the state, Mike decides to take care of him as he needs the money that will be received every month. Meanwhile, Leo’s grandson Kyle (Alex Shaffer) arrives to live with his grandfather as Mike and Jackie take him in for a few days while Leo is staying at an old folk’s home.

Realizing that Kyle refuses to come home to his mother as she is currently in rehab, Mike and Jackie try to figure out what to do as Mike learns that Kyle is a talented wrestler. With help from his friend Terry (Bobby Cannavale) as an assistant coach, Mike puts Kyle in the team as Kyle becomes the team’s star while helping them become a better team. With Kyle being part of Mike and Jackie’s family while Leo remains in good care, Cindy suddenly shows up with her lawyer (Margo Martindale). Mike tries to settle things until things eventually unravel due to Cindy’s presence as Kyle starts to act out and become unsure who to trust.

The film is about a guy trying to do what is right and save his law practice while taking care an elderly man and his grandson with the help of his wife and a couple of friends. While it’s a premise that doesn’t seem exciting, it is told in a more realistic fashion as it’s about a guy trying to do what is right but he does a few things that is wrong while not being open to his wife about these problems. Yet, Mike Flaherty is a guy who means well and wants to make sure that this old man is in good care. The problem is that he can’t have him stay at his home and watch him all the time due to things he’s got to do while the man’s grandson arrives which further complicates things.

While Kyle is just a kid who has endured a troubled home life due to his mother’s substance abuse and other issues. He finds a home in Mike and Jackie where he is able to have a good home and actually do good in school until his mother arrives. While Cindy is looking for a payoff, she’s not a totally despicable person as she wants to get herself together despite her testy relationship with Kyle. Part of Thomas McCarthy’s gift as a writer is creating characters who are human and all have good intentions though they do the wrong things. McCarthy’s script does follow a certain formula in terms of its structure including a more dramatic third act. McCarthy does manage to stray away from certain dramatic and humorous touches to create a story that is touching but also funny.

McCarthy’s direction is straightforward in terms of its compositions and scene setting but it’s also very engaging in the way he portrays the drama and humor. Notably in the latter as it’s mostly played naturally without striving too hard to get a laugh. McCarthy’s approach to directing actors is to have them figure their characters out while giving them a chance to relax and play their parts. Shooting on location in a small town in New Jersey, the film does have an atmosphere where it does feel like a small town but also that’s full of life. Overall, McCarthy crafts a very solid and light-hearted film that does more than its premise suggests.

Cinematographer Oliver Bokelberg does a nice job with the film‘s colorful cinematography from the sunny yet winter-like look of the exteriors to more intimate shadings for the nighttime interior scenes. Editor Tom McArdle does a very good job with the editing in maintaining a leisured pace for the film including an amazing montage to emphasize Mike‘s sudden streak of good luck. Production designer John Paino, with set decorator Amanda Carroll and art director Scott Anderson, does terrific work in the look for Mike and Leo‘s respective homes along with the more posh home of Terry.

Costume designer Melissa Toth does a fantastic job with the costumes from the more casual clothing most of the characters wear to the wrestling uniforms Kyle and his teammates wear. Sound editor Paul Hsu does some fine work in the sound pieces from the intimate conversation moments to the raucous atmosphere of the wrestling matches. The film’s score by Lyle Workman is wonderful for its folk-rock based score of guitars and pianos along with a soundtrack that is a wide mix of hard rock and metal for the music in the wrestling training scenes to other music from acts like the National and Bon Jovi.

The casting by Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee is truly a highlight of the film for the ensemble that is created. Appearing in small roles include Nina Arianda as Mike’s secretary Shelly, Sharon Wilkins as the judge that appoints Mike the role of Leo’s guardian, David W. Thompson as the very funny wrestling teammate Stemler, Clare Foley as Mike and Jackie’s eldest adolescent daughter Abby, and in the dual role of their youngest daughter Stella are Penelope and Sophia Kindred. Other notable small roles include Margo Martindale as Cindy’s reasonable attorney, Burt Young as the ailing but funny Leo, Jeffrey Tambor as Mike’s witty law/wrestling associate Stephen, and Melanie Lynskey as Kyle’s troubled and conniving mother Cindy.

Bobby Cannavale is excellent in a very funny performance as Mike’s best friend Terry who helps Mike coach the team to evade his own personal issues. Alex Shaffer is brilliant as the troubled teenager Kyle who finds a home in Mike and Jackie while dealing with his own personal issues as he tries to get to know his grandfather. Amy Ryan is superb as Jackie where Ryan displays a great sense of wit as a woman who becomes the mother that Kyle needs as there’s a real sense of toughness in a woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone. Finally, there’s Paul Giamatti in a very remarkable performance as Mike Flaherty. Giamatti brings a great sense of humility and earnestness as a man wanting to do what is right while hoping to actually gain something that will make him think he’s a good guy as it’s Giamatti at his best.

Win Win is a stellar and enjoyable film from Thomas McCarthy. Featuring a marvelous ensemble cast led by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan, it’s a film that is well-acted along with a fascinating story about people trying to find some sort of happiness as well as win a few in life. While it’s the most accessible film that McCarthy has done in terms of humor and light drama. It’s also a film that allows the audience to find characters that they can relate to. In the end, Win Win is a rich and delightful film from Thomas McCarthy.

Thomas McCarthy Films: (The Station Agent) - The Visitor - (The Cobbler) - Spotlight

© thevoid99 2012

Tangled

Based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale Rapunzel, Tangled is the story about a long-lost princess with long magical hair who yearns to leave her secluded tower with the help of a thief to reach a city for an upcoming festival. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard with a screenplay by Dan Fogelman, the animated film is a partially-experimental film where 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D computer animation work together to create a new take on the story of Rapunzel. With a voice cast that includes Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, Frank Welker, Brad Garrett, and Jeffrey Tambor. Tangled is a fun and adventurous animated film from Nathan Greno and Byron Howard.

After being kidnapped by an old woman named Gothel (Donna Murphy), Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been kept in seclusion by Gothel who needs her long hair to maintain her youth. All of her life, Rapunzel wonders about these lights she sees up in the sky as they always appear on her birthday as she’s about to turn 18. She asks Gothel if she can go out and see what’s over there as Gothel claims the outside world is a dark place as she goes out to gather things Rapunzel needs for her painting. Meanwhile, a young thief named Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) has stolen a crown from a kingdom as he and the Stabbington brothers (Ron Perlman) flee the guards where Flynn finds himself hiding in Rapunzel’s home where he is knocked and interrogated by the young girl.

After Flynn reluctantly agrees to take Rapunzel to see the sky lanterns in exchange for the crown he stole, Rapunzel enters the outside world with her pet chameleon Pascal. When Gothel realizes that Rapunzel has left her tower, she tries to find her with the help of the Stabbington brothers as Flynn and Rapunzel go to a tavern where they meet rough thugs whom they befriend due to their aspirations for a life outside of crime. The thugs help Rapunzel evade the guards who are looking for Rider as they hide in caves where Flynn learns about the magical elements of Rapunzel’s hair. Flynn reveals his real name as he takes Rapunzel to the kingdom with help the guards’ lead horse Maximus.

With Rapunzel finally getting the chance to see the sky lanterns with Flynn, Flynn encounters the Stabbington brothers in hope to live up to his deal with them. Instead, the plan is altered where Gothel takes Rapunzel as she discovers her true identity while Flynn deals with guards in his hopes to save Rapunzel.

The film is essentially a re-telling of the story of Rapunzel with a new twist as screenwriter Dan Fogelman creates a story where it’s about this young girl who is this long-lost princess that has been secluded for all her life in the care of a woman who needs her hair to maintain her youth and beauty. While there is a bit of exposition about Rapunzel’s hair told in a prologue by the character of Flynn Rider. It does reveal the kind of person Gothel is and why she’s been keeping Rapunzel as she isn’t a traditional villain. Rider and Rapunzel aren’t traditional good guys either as Flynn is an admitted thief while Rapunzel is a young woman who doesn’t know about the outside world but can fend for herself. Fogelman’s script succeeds in not just giving these characters more than what they’re supposed to be. He also succeeds in playing with the damsel-in-distress formula by adding humor and light-dramatic scenes that does help move the story forward.

The direction of Nathan Greno and Byron Howard is brilliant for the compositions and scenes that are created. Notably as it combines 2D hand-drawn animation with 3D computer animation as the film has a look that is all computer animated but the feeling of a 2D animated film. Notably in the way the characters move and interact with certain things as well as the set pieces created for the film. One notable sequence that really is a marvel to watch is the sky lanterns scene where all of these lanterns are displayed in a nighttime sky. It’s truly exquisite in its beauty and the way those scenes are drawn. With its mix of humor and adventure, Greno and Howard create a film that is truly entertaining as well as making something is a true visual feast.

Editor Tim Merkins does an incredible job with the film‘s editing as he brings a wonderful sense of style in creating montages to Rapunzel‘s reaction to be out of the world as well as a few jump-cuts to play with the film‘s unique rhythm. Production designer Douglas Rogers, along with art directors Dan Cooper and David Goetz, does great work in creating some of the set pieces for the film such as Rapunzel‘s tower and the tavern the thugs hang out at. Visual effects supervisor Steve Goldberg does a brilliant job with some of the visual effects created for some of the 3D parts of the film that includes the sky lanterns scene.

Sound designers Cameron Frankley, Jason W. Jennings, and Ai-Ling Lee do a fantastic job with the sound work from the sound of leaves and waterfalls in the woods to the atmosphere of the tavern and damn that Rapunzel and Flynn encounter. The film’s music by Alan Menken is brilliant for its mixture of flourishing orchestral music to more playful folk music for some of the scenes at the kingdom. The songs that Menken wrote with lyricist Glenn Slater are definitely top of the line such as Mother Knows Best, the ballad I See the Light, and the very upbeat I’ve Got a Dream as it’s some of the best work that Menken has done as it also includes a song by Grace Potter in the film’s final credits.

The voice casting by Jamie Sparer Roberts is wonderful for the ensemble that is created as it includes Frank Welker voicing the enjoyable animal creatures in the horse Maximus and the chameleon Pascal. Other notable small voice work include Richard Kiel, Jeffrey Tambor, and Brad Garrett as friendly thugs, M.C. Gainey as the guard captain, and Ron Perlman doing dual voice work as the rough and conniving Stabbington Brothers. Donna Murphy is superb as the sly yet cunning Gothel who is desperate to keep Rapunzel with her while dealing with Rapunzel’s yearning for freedom. Zachary Levi is terrific as the charming and brave Flynn Rider who reluctantly helps Rapunzel out while realizing what it takes to be a very good guy. Finally, there’s Mandy Moore in a fantastic performance as Rapunzel as she brings a lot of humor, wit, and determination to the character who is quite naïve but also willing to see the sky lanterns as she also has great chemistry with Levi and Murphy.

Tangled is an extraordinary film from Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. Featuring amazing animation and a remarkable ensemble voice cast, it’s a film that definitely lives up to a lot of the animated films Disney has made in the past. Notably as it allows hand-drawn animators and computer animators to create a hybrid of both styles that gives the film a very dazzling yet magical feel. In the end, Tangled is a rich and delightful animated film from Disney Animation Studios.

© thevoid99 2012

The Hangover

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 12/26/09 w/ Additional Edits.

Already known for such comedy hits such as Old School and a film version of the hit 70s cop show Starsky & Hutch. Todd Phillips is one of the new breed of comedy directors who delves into the world of raunchy humor. 2006's Schools for Scoundrels with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder wasn't a hit film with audiences or critics that put a dent of Phillips' streak of hit comedies that began with 2000's Road Trip. In 2009, Phillips rebounded in a big way with what turned out to be the biggest hit comedy of that year about a group of guys trying to figure what happened one night in Las Vegas through a slew of mayhem entitled The Hangover.

Directed by Todd Phillips and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore with un-credited rewrites from Phillips and Jeremy Garelick. The Hangover tells the story of four guys going to Las Vegas to celebrate a man's upcoming wedding. The next day, three of the men are hung-over as they find a tiger in their bathroom suite, a baby, and memory loss as the groom is missing. Meanwhile, they encounter a stripper, a gang of Chinese gangsters, and other strange occurrences in a crazy weekend. Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Baresse, Rachael Harris, Ken Jeong, Mike Epps, and Jeffrey Tambor. The Hangover is a witty film that doesn't reach a lot of laughs despite an excellent concept.

Doug (Justin Bartha) is about to get married his longtime girlfriend Tracy (Sasha Baresse) as he decides to go out on a weekend to Las Vegas. Joining him is Tracy's socially-awkward brother Alan (Zach Galifianakis) who is excited to go on the trip. Even as he will be taking the vintage Mercedes owned by Alan's father (Jeffrey Tambor). Joining them on the trip to Vegas is Doug's friends Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms). Phil hopes from a break from his family life and work as a schoolteacher while Stu plans to propose to his longtime but very strict girlfriend Melissa (Rachael Harris). Arriving into Vegas where they stay at a luxurious suite, everyone is having a good time as they drink a shot of alcohol on the roof of the hotel they're staying.

The next morning, no one knows exactly what happens as Alan finds a tiger at a bathroom along with a baby in the closet, a hospital bracelet in Phil's wrists, and Stu missing a tooth. Doug is also missing as they also learn that they had stolen a police car that the valet gave them as they go to the hospital where they have traces of roofies in their blood stream. Learning that they were at a wedding that crazy night where Stu learns he has married a stripper named Jade (Heather Graham), they go to a wedding chapel where they encounter a couple of Asian gangsters shooting and beating up the police car. After finding Jade at her apartment where she's revealed to be the mother of the baby. They are suddenly caught by a couple of police officers (Rob Riggle & Cleo King) who are the original drives of the police car.

After taking part in a police exercise in exchange for their freedom, they also got back the Mercedes where on their way back to the hotel. They find someone in the trunk as it's revealed to be a naked Asian man (Ken Jeong) who beats them up as their day gets worse as Alan reveals the source of where he got the roofies thinking it was ecstacy. Returning to their hotel room, they get a surprise visit from Mike Tyson who was looking for his stolen tiger demanding that they give it back to him. Returning the tiger to Tyson proved to be troubling as they tried to drug the tiger only to wake up at the Mercedes while Tyson reveals the tape of what happened that night. After getting attacked by Asian gangsters that was led by the naked man who is named Leslie Chow. Chow demands $80,000 that he was owed or else Doug will be killed. With Doug's life in the hands of Chow, it's up to Alan's knowledge of card-counting to help them get the money with help from Jade as they succeed but end up with a surprise of their own as they wondered what the hell went wrong.

The story about three guys trying to find their friend while figuring out what the hell happened on a night they don't remember at all is definitely a great idea for a comedy. The problem is that it doesn't entirely work in its execution. There's some moments that are humorous and engaging to watch while the script is well-structured in its set-up. It's just that the script doesn't set-up the comedy as well as it should've been. There's time where the audience knows what will happen and it's not executed in a great way. At the same time, director Todd Phillips goes for moments of raunchy humor but it doesn't really hold itself together as a film. The better moments of Phillips' direction is when there's a surprise cameo from Mike Tyson that is funny along with scenes where Phil, Alan, and Stu are just trying to figure out what's going on in such a subtle presentation. Despite a lot of its flaws and shortcomings, Phillips does create a film that is watchable and engaging in its premise.

Cinematographer Lawrence Sher does nice work with the colorful look of the film, notably the nighttime flashy exterior of Las Vegas including some dark colors for the interior scenes at the home of Mike Tyson. Editor Debra Neil-Fisher does fine work with the editing in creating fast-paced moments to keep the film going along with the comedic moments while it's mostly leisurely paced for the most part. Production designer Bill Brzeski with set decorator Danielle Berman and art directors Andrew Max Cahn & A. Todd Holland do some good work in the look of the suite that the guys stay along with the look of the wedding chapel that they go to. Costume designer Louise Mingenbach is also good for the dresses that Jade wears and the casual clothes that the men wear. Sound designer Tim Chau does some fine work in the sound for some of the film's action-like sequences and location scenes.

The music by Christophe Beck is pretty good for its funk-keyboard style and comical musical sequences. Yet, the film's soundtrack is mostly filled with party songs and such from the likes of the Baha Men, Phil Collins (with singing by Mike Tyson), Wolfmother, Usher, Kanye West, T.I. & Rhianna, the Donnas, the Belle Stars doing Iko Iko in a funny reference to Rain Man, Danzig, and members of the cast singing their own original songs which are quite funny. Another notable soundtrack regular of Todd Phillips work is the Dan Band performing raunchy version of some 80s classics.

The casting by Juel Bestrop and Seth Yanklewitz is pretty good with some cameo appearances from Wayne Newton, Carrot Top, and most of all, Mike Tyson as himself in a very funny performance. Small roles like director Todd Phillips as a creepy guy in the elevator, Ian Anthony Dale and Michael Li as Chow's henchman, Mike Epps as an inept drug dealer, Bryan Callen as a wedding chapel owner, Sasha Baresse as Doug's fiancee, Matt Walsh as a doctor, and Jeffrey Tambor as Alan's dad are pretty good. Rachael Harris is intense as Stu's girlfriend Melissa though she doesn't have much to work with. Cleo King and Rob Riggle are funny as two angry cops who decides to abuse Stu, Phil, and Alan in front of kids at the expense of their amusement. Ken Jeong is kind of funny as an effeminate Chinese gangster in Leslie Chow that Jeong does go overboard with his performance at times.

In a role that was originally slated for Lindsay Lohan, Heather Graham is pretty good as Jade. A stripper with a heart of gold who helps the guys win money while helping Stu loosen up. Justin Bartha is decent as Doug, the groom who goes missing though he doesn't get much to do but be calm and then disappear throughout most of the film. Ed Helms is also good as the straight-man of the group in Stu, a man fearful of his girlfriend's anger as he loses a tooth and deal with the fact that he has to grow some guts in order to be a man. Bradley Cooper is excellent as Phil, a man wanting some freedom from his stressful family life as Cooper plays it straight for the most part of the film while saying some funny lines. Zach Galifianakis is alright as Alan, Doug's soon-to-be brother-in-law who is socially awkward as he tries to fit in where Galifianakis provides some funny moments. Mostly without pants.

While The Hangover doesn't have some of the off-kilter humor of Todd Phillips' previous films, it is still a decent comedy from the director with a good cast and premise. Fans of raunchy comedy will definitely enjoy this in what has definitely been a very down year for comedies. For anyone that wants something wild and fun to watch, The Hangover is the film to go see. Audiences with a much broader idea of comedy might best go for something else.

(C) thevoid99 2011