“The Hangover” is Todd Phillips‘ contribution to Hollywood’s recent mini-trend of offering up comedies based on the old adage, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas..”. While Zach Galifianakis also starred in the Ashton Kutcher/Cameron Diaz PG-13 snooze fest, “What Happens in Vegas”, this is truly his breakout role and the movie itself has more entertainment and laughs in it than all of Kutcher’s films wrapped into one.

Part “Dude, Where’s My Car”, part “Old School”, with a splash of complete absurdity, “The Hangover” works so well because it doesn’t hold back. Philips took three very talented actors (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Galifianakis) and threw them into situations that are as much fun to watch as they are funny. There are a few holes and some parts don’t really make sense but then again does it really matter when the movie you are seeing is an R-rated comedy that involves a strange baby in sunglasses, a chicken, a tiger, and Mike Tyson? Didn’t think so.

For those of you living under a rock for the past several months, “The Hangover” is Todd Phillips’ return to the director’s chair since 2006’s “School for Scoundrels”. The basic premise places four friends in Las Vegas having to deal with a bachelor party gone awry. The morning after, Phil, Stu, and Alan (Cooper, Helms, and Galifianakis respectively) notice that Doug, the groom, played by Justin Bartha, is missing.

We’ve all seen the hilarious trailers… The movie takes those scenes and expands on them…perfectly. The snippets from the trailer as definitely some of the film’s best material but it only scratches the surface in terms of how messed up the adventure is. While we don’t really get answers to everything that we see in the trailer, writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore do a great job of threading together some truly bizarre elements. While each of the three main characters held their own, it was Galifianakis’ Alan that truly brought the audience to tears. He plays the groom’s soon to be, Rain Manish, brother-in-law. Basically a bearded baby that doesn’t like to wear pants, there is just something about his clueless, puppy dog look as he reacts to the situations they get into.

Phillips also made some great use of support characters played by Rob Riggle, Cleo King, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong, and Jeffery Tambor. I was worried that Riggle’s overly loud schtick was going to get old real fast but he was used in what I would say (similar to his role in “Step Brothers”) was the perfect amount (“In the face!!!”). As for Jeong, his Mr. Chow was awesome. Although did he even have a penis in all of that pubic hair?! Awesome subtle use of a stereotype.

I was a little disappointed with Mike Epps. At first, I thought we were going to get a pretty big cameo from whoever was under that bag and then when we found out who it was…meh. I’ve seen him much funnier. Also, Justin Bartha was completely under utilized. Obviously, his role didn’t give him much to work with but he has the chops to make people laugh (see his role as Nic Cage’s comedic side kick in the “National Treasure” films)

Any of these minor details I’m complaining about were completely washed away with the end credits…HOLY FUCK. Easily the best, brutal, and funniest few minutes of the whole movie. I think it took everyone by surprise how utterly hard they were laughing…No holds barred. Great movie topped off with stellar credits content!

The bottom line: 4/5. “The Hangover” is the perfect summer comedy – no brain power required and so freakin’ entertaining. On top of that, it’s official, Cooper, Helms, and Galifianakis have finally broken out!

Random fact I just learned: Ed Helms told People Magazine that his missing tooth was real. A la Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber”, Helms opted to remove his dental implant for his role…

What did you think? Why exactly did Phil get submitted to the hospital? Where did the chicken come from? Leave your comments below or Twitter me @billrusnak.