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Movie Review: "The Hangover II" no worse than a bad cold

If you saw "Hangover," the flag-waver for the series, you know what "Hangover Part 2 (or II, it wavers) is all about. You probably know it so well that there's not a lot of attraction to seeing "Part 2.) Same cast, same story (but switched to Bangkok) same gags, same car chases (although a car chase in a Bangkok market with the good guys being chased by two motorcycle killers is a bit different, but not really).

This time Doc Stu is marring a Thai woman of incredible beauty (you didn't get that in the first film; Jamie Chung is keel-over gorgeous and does a fine, laid-back job as the bride to be, although why she would want to wed Stu is weird). So the foursome fly to Bangkok, get drunk, wake up in a crummy hotel, chase around looking for the bride's young brother who was with them when they got drunk, Stu now sports a tattoo on his face and one of their party, a gangster of sorts, seems dead after doing a line of coke; they dump the body in a handy hotel ice machine.

And off they go careening around Bangkok, finally find the bar where they created a riot and along the way pick up a cigarette smoking monkey. Don't ask.

Lots of dumb shots, lots of mild looking down on Thais and a bit of sleaze about Buddhism that is gratuitous at worst. The rest of the critical world panned this movie, and who am I to fly against reasoned men and women when the movie was clearly made simply to make money. Paul Giamatti makes an appearance as an Interpol cop and Nick Cassavetes appears as an American tattoo artist, a role originally planned for the disgraced Mel Gibson. Just hinge for the plot.

If you like deju vu and saw No. 1, this might be for you. If not and you've got a couple of hours and some spare bucks to spend, get thee to the Fandango Galaxy cineplex in Carson City. Popcorn is pretty good.
--- Sam Bauman

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
• Jeffrey Tambor as Sid Garner[
• Jamie Chung as Lauren, Stu's fiancée[
• Bryan Callen as Samir, a smarmy strip club owner in Bangkok
• Mason Lee as Teddy, Lauren's brother
• Paul Giamatti as Kingsley, an undercover Interpol agent
• Sasha Barrese as Tracy Billings, Doug's wife
• Gillian Vigman as Stephanie Wenneck, Phil's wife
• Yasmin Lee as Kimmy
• Nirut Sirijanya as Lauren's father
Cooper, Helms, Galifianakis, Bartha, Jeong, Barrese and Tambor reprise their roles from the first film. Mike Tyson also reprises his role as himself and sings a cover of the 1984 Murray Head song "One Night in Bangkok" for the movie.The film is the Hollywood debut of Mason Lee, son of director Ang Lee. Nick Cassavetes has a cameo appearance as a Bangkok tattoo artist. Liam Neeson was initially cast in that role, which was originally envisioned for Mel Gibson.
Directed by Todd Phillips
Produced by Daniel Goldberg
Todd Phillips
Written by Scot Armstrong
Craig Mazin
Todd Phillips
Music by Christophe Beck
Cinematography Lawrence Sher
Editing by Debra Neil-Fisher
Mike Sale Studio Legendary Pictures
Green Hat Films Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Release date(s) May 26, 2011 Running time 102 minutes[1] Country United States Language English Budget $80 million Gross revenue

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With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.

Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Celebrate Carson High School Class of 2024! And, keep them safe.

Since 1988, Safe Grad has helped prevent fatalities related to graduation night intoxication by offering a FREE, safe, and sober all-night party for graduating high school seniors.

Southern Utah is lucky to be gaining one of Carson High’s most extraordinary students, Arene LeBlanc. She is an outstanding student who has overcome so much from her freshman year and now consistently demonstrates exceptional academics, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Service restored.

Douglas County is experiencing a temporary disruption in the non-emergency dispatch phone line. This disruption solely affects the non-emergency dispatch line and does not impact access to emergency services via 911. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to continue dialing 911 for immediate assistance.

Looking for something for you kiddos to do this summer that includes exercise, fun, and team building? Look no further than the Carson Baseball Summer Camp!

In a systematic approach to improve water quality, Lyon County Utilities will be conducting water main flushing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15 in the Rose Peak area (roughly between Flowery Avenue and Sheep Camp Road) in Dayton, Nev.

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.

Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office hosts an open house event as a way to connect families, deputies, non-profits and more. This year the event takes place Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nevada State Police has identified a Northern California man who died in a fatal crash last month on I-80 in Fernley.

Carson High School will host its First Annual Art Expo, showcasing the talents of its student artists in photography, graphic design, drawing, painting and ceramics Thursday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m.