Hangover 2 Versus Bridesmaids – Who Wins The Crude Humor War?

Legendary Pictures / Universal Pictures

This Memorial Day weekend, I managed twice to find a babysitter, so I could enjoy some good laughs with a couple of the biggest comedies out right now.  Friday night I opted for Brisemaids while Monday it was The Hangover Part 2.  Both of these films are right down my alley when it comes to humor.  Bridesmaids was super-appealing considering it stars the hilarious, Kristen Wiig of SNL, and it’s from Judd Apatow, the same guy who made movies like Knocked Up, Superbad, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.  Then there’s The Hangover Part 2 which comes from the folks who made The Hangover.  Who can argue with that?

In Bridesmaids, Wiig joins her childhood friend (Maya Rudolph) through the steps of preparing for her wedding.  The problem is, a new, beautiful, and rich friend, Helen (Rose Byrne) also wants to help make everything “perfect.”  The struggle between old friend and new friend is never more funny than the scene, as the two duel back and forth with toasts during the engagement party.  Wiig’s classic understated humor comes out in the scene that will have you rolling on the floor.  If you know Wiig, you know she also has an over-the-top side, which she only pulls out only once in the film, but it’s money.  When her character finally gets fed up with the showy and pretentious bridal shower her nemesis has organized, the chocolate hits the fan.  This is another scene that will have you laughing til you cry.  Bridesmaids definitely has more of a story that the ladies can relate to, while still giving guys the laughs they love from a Judd Apatow movie.

The question everyone is asking these days is whether or not the second encarnation of The Hangover can live up to the first.  What made the first movie unique is that it didn’t show the craziness, but just the aftermath of an all night bachelor party.  Why fix it if it ain’t broke?  Once again, the “Wolfpack” ends up together preparing for a wedding and then they wake up in Bangkok. with no way of knowing how they got tattoos, lost hair, gained a monkey, and another surprise guest you’ll recognize from the first movie.  Just like the first Hangover, the guys spend the entire movie trying to get answers and make it back in time for the wedding.  As always, Zach Galifinakis, provides awesome laughs and one-liners as the spoiled and child-like, Alan.  What can I say about this film, except don’t expect a new story.  Same movie – new location, and I say that not as a bad thing.  My only negative was the ease with which the guys found their clues this time around.  They had to work much harder in the first movie, whereas this time Alan just meditates and remembers where they were, which leads to the next clue.  A little weak and lazy if you ask me.  Overall, I would certainly recommend The Hangover Part 2 to fans of the first.

So, which one of these films comes out on top?  I’m giving a slight edge to Bridesmaids.  For a movie, where the trailer appeared to mimic The Hangover, with girls this time, there was way more to it.  As a matter of fact, we never even get to see a bachelorette party.  I’m giving the nod to a movie that has more for the masses.  But, if you enjoy comedies like these, you will enjoy both just as I did.