The Hangover Part III is the final installment in Todd Phillips’ outrageous comedy trilogy. Released in 2013, it shifts gears from the usual “lost night” formula to a darker, crime-driven comedy that ties up the loose ends of the Wolfpack’s misadventures.
Detailed Summary
The Funeral and Alan’s Breakdown
The movie opens with Alan (Zach Galifianakis) off his meds and causing chaos with his reckless behavior, including buying a giraffe that leads to a freeway accident. His family decides to stage an intervention, and while traveling to a rehab facility with the Wolfpack—Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Doug (Justin Bartha)—they are ambushed by a crime lord named Marshall (John Goodman).
The Kidnapping of Doug
Marshall demands that the Wolfpack hunt down Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), who escaped from prison and stole $21 million in gold bars from him. To ensure compliance, Marshall kidnaps Doug (again) and gives the group a deadline: find Chow or Doug dies.
The Hunt for Chow
Valuing their friend’s life (and also desperate to get this nightmare over with), the Wolfpack traces Chow’s whereabouts. They discover that Chow has tunneled his way out of a Thai prison and is back in his criminal element. Their search takes them to Tijuana and eventually back to Las Vegas, the city where it all began.
Chow’s Betrayal
Despite working with Chow to retrieve the stolen gold, the Wolfpack gets double-crossed. Chow manipulates Alan emotionally, making him believe they’re real friends, only to abandon the group. This sets up the final showdown, where Phil, Stu, and Alan must outsmart Chow to save Doug once and for all.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
In the climactic sequence, the Wolfpack lures Chow into a penthouse in Caesars Palace. They trick him into a plan that ends with Chow being locked inside a vault. The FBI storms in and arrests Chow, while Marshall gets his gold back. True to his word, Marshall releases Doug.
The Wolfpack finally succeeds in wrapping up their chaotic journey. Alan, who has been the most unstable of the group, begins to show signs of growth. He also meets Cassie (Melissa McCarthy), a pawn shop owner, sparking the beginnings of a quirky romance.
The final scene is calmer than the earlier films: the Wolfpack drives off with Doug safe and sound, signaling the end of their wild adventures. However, the credits reveal one last outrageous twist.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes. There is a mid-credits scene that mirrors the series’ original chaotic tone. We see the aftermath of yet another insane night: the Wolfpack wakes up in a trashed hotel room, Stu has breast implants, and Chow casually strolls out of the bathroom. It’s a hilarious callback to the kind of shenanigans that defined the first two films, leaving fans with one last laugh.
Type of Movie
The film is a dark comedy and crime adventure. Unlike its predecessors, it leans less on blackout-drunk mysteries and more on action-driven storytelling, with a heavier emphasis on crime and consequences.
Cast
- Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck
- Ed Helms as Dr. Stuart “Stu” Price
- Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner
- Justin Bartha as Doug Billings
- Ken Jeong as Leslie Chow
- John Goodman as Marshall
- Melissa McCarthy as Cassie
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Christophe Beck, who also worked on the first two films. The soundtrack includes a mix of rock and pop tracks, perfectly fitting the chaotic and comedic energy of the movie.
Filming Locations
- Las Vegas, Nevada – The story returns to where the Wolfpack’s madness first began, offering a full-circle narrative.
- Nogales, Arizona (standing in for Tijuana, Mexico) – Used for the sequences involving Chow’s criminal dealings.
- Los Angeles, California – Several scenes and interiors were shot here for logistical purposes.
The importance of Las Vegas as a filming location lies in its nostalgia. It’s not just a backdrop but a character itself, symbolizing where the Wolfpack’s legend was born.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
The movie didn’t receive major awards, but it was nominated at the Teen Choice Awards for categories like “Choice Movie: Comedy.” Despite its mixed reviews, it performed decently at the box office, thanks to the franchise’s popularity.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Todd Phillips originally didn’t want to make a Part III unless he could change the formula; hence, the darker storyline.
- The giraffe sequence in the opening took months of planning, blending practical effects with CGI.
- Zach Galifianakis reportedly improvised several of Alan’s lines, keeping cast members laughing between takes.
- Ken Jeong performed some of his own stunts, including dangling from the hotel balcony.
Inspirations and References
The movie takes inspiration from classic crime thrillers and heist films, blending them with comedy. Unlike the first two films, it doesn’t rely on the amnesia premise, instead riffing on buddy-comedy meets gangster-movie tropes.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were reports of deleted comedic bits that didn’t make the final cut, including extended scenes of Chow’s eccentric behavior. However, no major alternate ending has been revealed; the studio wanted a definitive closure for the trilogy.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There are no direct book adaptations for The Hangover trilogy. The storylines are original creations by Todd Phillips and his writing team, with no literary counterpart.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Alan singing at his father’s funeral.
- The Wolfpack’s ambush by Marshall’s men.
- Chow parachuting into Las Vegas in flamboyant fashion.
- The vault entrapment scene where Chow is finally outsmarted.
Iconic Quotes
- Alan: “It’s not illegal if you’re best friends.”
- Chow: “When a monkey nibbles on a penis, it’s funny in any language.”
- Phil: “Why do we keep ending up here?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Caesar’s Palace setting directly references the first film, bringing the trilogy full circle.
- Alan’s romance with Cassie mirrors his oddball personality, giving him a fitting ending.
- Stu’s breast implant gag in the credits is a callback to his accidental tattoo in The Hangover Part II.
Trivia
- The film grossed over $350 million worldwide despite mixed reviews.
- The role of Marshall was written with John Goodman in mind.
- This is the only film in the trilogy that doesn’t revolve around a wedding or a blackout hangover.
- Justin Bartha (Doug) once again spends most of the movie kidnapped/off-screen, a running gag of the trilogy.
Why Watch?
If you’ve invested in the Wolfpack’s story, this is the closure you need. While it’s darker and less laugh-out-loud than the first two, it provides resolution, gives Alan a satisfying arc, and brings back the absurdity with the post-credits gag.
Director’s Other Movies
- Old School (2003)
- Starsky & Hutch (2004)
- Due Date (2010)
- War Dogs (2016)
- Joker (2019)
Recommended Films for Fans
- 21 Jump Street (2012)
- Superbad (2007)
- Project X (2012)
- Horrible Bosses (2011)
- Pineapple Express (2008)