The Hangover Part III *** (R) Those who have hung with the rather ironically, if not delusionally, dubbed "Wolfpack" through two madcap raunchy adventures will certainly show up for this (promised) final foray into the unintended consequences of guys-being-guys revelries. This time, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha don’t suffer the effects of a bachelor-party-run-amok. They’ve supposedly learned their lessons. The other three are driving Zach to a rehab facility after a long-overdue intervention.
But the best of intentions gang aft agley. They’re waylaid by John Goodman and his thugs, who have a serious grudge against their cohort from the first two, the notorious psycho criminal Chow (Ken Jeong). The hoods hold Bartha hostage until the others can find Chow and the $21M in gold bullion he stole from Goodman years earlier. That takes the lads to Mexico and Las Vegas, making room for the return of some characters from the first two flicks, and one delightful new arrival (Melissa McCarthy).
Overall, the film seemed longer on exposition and shorter on the trademark gross and racy moments the first two featured. Despite some degree of sequel drop-off, fans of the others should be pretty satisfied with these antics for the franchise’s fond farewell. The bits you’ve seen in the trailers play even better in the theater. (5/23/13)