The Hangover- film review 

The Hangover is regarded as a box office success produced by Todd Philips, released in 2009. If you start watching this hilarious comedy, I am entirely sure that you will be glued to the screen for approximately 1.5 hours.

This well-known comedy depicts a bunch of best friends (Doug, Phil, Stue and Alan) celebrating a “forgettable” bachelor party in Los Angeles. They promise each other that they will have the most memorable party in their life. The next day when the three of them wake up, or it might be better to say when the three of them regain consciousness, they do not really have the faintest idea about the previous day’s happenings at all. However, they find some clues in the utterly messy and chaotic hotel room where they are staying: a cute but unknown infant in a chest of drawers, and a beast-looking living tiger in the bathroom. In addition, they do not know where their friend, Doug is. Moreover, one of Stu’s teeth is missing, and a hospital band can be seen on one of Phil’s wrists. So the question is apparent: “What could have happened at last night’s party?” An air of foreboding pervades the beginning of the movie. The primary intention of the characters in the movie is to have an attempt to find out some of the details of the weird incidents and seek their best friend, Doug.

Undoubtedly, not only does this blockbuster capture a set of comical scenes but it also provides the viewer with a catchy and bizarrely gripping story-line. The actors starring in the film prove to be brilliant; they act in a totally natural and credible way. The characters they portray are facetious bachelors.  As far as the plot of the film is concerned, it is entirely unique, easy-to-follow, and amusing in lieu of the fact that, at first sight, what the title of the film promises is precisely nothing. It seems to be true that ending is relatively predictable; however, a slight twist appears in one of the characters’ life as the plot unfolds. While some of the movie goers are absolutely keen on the film, those who do not enjoy listening to obscene words and occasional rude language may find it unwatchable.

Overall, the comedy is clearly entertaining and gives its viewers a great time filled with lots of laughter and enjoyment. Should you want to switch off your mind for 100 minutes and recharge your batteries a little bit, just watch this movie and have a whale of a time.   

Exam task:

Write a film review for a quality magazine. Comment on how successful the film is, what its strengths and weaknesses are. (If you want, you can use some ideas from the sample writing). Word limit: 300-350, level: advanced (CEFR-C1)

Tips for writing a review:

•     Pay attention to the organisation of your writing:  each paragraph should be constructed consciously and carefully. (First, make a plan!)
•     When it comes to summarising the plot, do not mention the ending of the film.
•     Use present tenses to summarise the story.
•     Your review should be interesting and informative.
•     Try to be descriptive and use some adverbs and adjectives in your piece of writing.