The Hangover is a hysterical series of comic events. The three R-rated films involve road-trips, gambling, and confusion. The Hangover movies are directed by Todd Phillips and star Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, and Justin Bartha. Each of the films portrays the "Wolfpack" friends as they travel, continuously finding themselves in unusual and often hilarious situations. In the first Hangover film, the four friends travel to Las Vegas to celebrate the bachelor party for their friend, Doug Billings. However, three of the friends, Stu, Phil, and Alan have no recollection of the events of the preceding night and end up frantically searching for Doug the morning of his wedding.
The second film revolves around similar themes. However, this time Stu is to be married, in Bangkok. The final film presents the comical adventures of the four men as they travel together on a haphazard road trip. The Hangover Series contains several entertainfing scenes… factor in some interesting trivia and the antics become even more outrageous!
Fun Fact #1
Although it appears as though the friends, “trash” their suite in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, after a heavy night of gambling at the blackjack table, the “room” is actually a soundstage in Los Angeles, California. Caesars Palace’s, PR Director, Celena Haas, says that the Caesar’s Palace Forum Tower Penthouse and the “Rain Man” Suite provided the concept for the room.
Fun Fact #2
In the first Hangover movie, we see the gang heading off to the blackjack tables after Alan read a book that, judging from the outcome, seems to provide much more than the usual insights into the rules of the game. The casino scene includes the popular song “Iko Iko,” (The Belle Stars). This act helped give the film its reputation as a modern classic. The swirling equations, the "Ï€ (pie)" symbol, the comments, and the comical way the action comes across in this scene is no match for taking the ridiculous to the sublime. Combined with the soundtrack, the events take the blackjack game to the next level of hilarity.
Fun Fact #3
Although “Jade’s” character was almost played by Lindsay Lohan, it was decided that she was not old enough to play the part of a stripper. Having turned down the role, Heather Graham took the role and played Jade again in the third movie in the Hangover series. Likewise, Robert Downey Jr. and Sean Penn were under consideration for the part of Marshall, played by John Goodman's in “Part III.”
Fun Fact #4
Originally, the movie did not include tigers or the infamous Mr. Chow. Initially, titled “What Happens in Vegas,” many of the movie elements were changed. Bradley Cooper’s role as Phil was reworked from auto salesman to a classroom teacher. The baby, Tyson, a police cruiser, and tiger all were added to the action.
Fun Fact #5
Liam Neeson was selected to play the part of tattoo artist in "The Hangover II." Although Mel Gibson was originally cast, it was decided that Neeson should take on the role. However, as he was involved in the making of "Wrath of the Titans” at that time, Nick Cassavetes ended up as the as the tattooist.
Fun Fact #6
Bill Clinton, past United States president, came to the set in Bangkok. However, he was not included in a cameo scene in the film; although he would have been an ideal add in.
Fun Fact #7
The film was based on a true story that writers Scott Moore and Jon Lucas had heard about, in which a man turned up missing in Vegas after his bachelor party. Warner Bros. bought the screenplay for two-million from Moore and Lucas. At that point, Jeremy Garelick and Todd Phillips (director) reworked the script adding in the police car, baby, tiger, and Mike Tyson, as mentioned above.
Fun Fact #8
Zach Galifianakis filmed a second version of the music video based on the song "Can't Tell Me Nothing," by Kanye West. This hilarious video was created on Galifianakis’ North Carolina farm; it later became part of the soundtrack for "The Hangover.”
Fun Fact #9
Before the original Hangover film was even released, “Hangover Part II” was already in the works. Scot Armstrong and Todd Phillips were hired by Warner Bros. to begin writing the movie sequel in spring of 2009. The second film in the series was cast a year later and the key actors were slated to recreate their roles in a film that was produced in southern California, and in Thailand.
Plans for “The Hangover Part III” were revealed by Phillips in the spring of 2011, just prior to the release of “Part II.” Craig Mazin was asked to participate in the script writing as he had successfully helped with the writing of the second film in the series. Once again, the key actors agreed to return to their roles and production on the film began in Los Angeles, California in the fall of 2012, and the movie was released in May of 2013.
Fun Fact #10
Although “Hangover Part II” and “Part III” have received a mixture of reviews, Hangover received rave reviews. Moreover, the films have brought in a combined gross of an estimated $1.4 billion plus, internationally.
Having become a pop-culture epic, the Hangover series provides some hilarious moments… road trips, blackjack, and adventure!
