With the comedy sequel premiering on Thursday (May 26), we prepare you for what to expect when the 'Hangover' boys head to Bangkok.
By Eric Ditzian
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis
Photo: Warner Bros.
" 'The Hangover' was lightning in a bottle," director Todd Phillips told us back in September of his $467 million-grossing comedy. "You can't judge other successes or other movies based on it."
Well, what if you just so happen to catch that lightning again? And what if, it turns out, you managed to bottle a whole lot more this time? Then can we do some comparing and contrasting with the original? Perhaps even Phillips wouldn't object at this point, with some industry insiders suggesting that "The Hangover Part II" could reel in more than $120 million domestically over the five-day Memorial Day holiday weekend. No R-rated film in history has opened to more than $100 million in box-office receipts.
So how did Phillips & Co. reach this ultra-lucrative point? To understand that, we have to flash all the way back to before the June 2009 release of the original "Hangover," when the film was testing so well in early screenings that Warner Bros. started making plans for a sequel. Just after the flick opened to $45 million, another "Hangover" was officially a go. Where the filmmakers went from there is something you'll find out below in another MTV News cheat sheet: everything you need to know about "The Hangover Part II."
Sobering Up "We were thinking of sequel ideas when we were shooting, which sounds cocky, but we were doing it more because it was just fun to talk about ideas while hanging out on the set," Phillips told us in June 2009. "Two weeks ago I was saying, 'Let's see how it works out.' Now that the movie has really connected, it's something we're doing for sure."
The question was, would all four stars — Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha — return for a new adventure? And how would Phillips spin another "Hangover" story after a ridiculous, couldn't-possibly-happen-twice tale set in Las Vegas? By December of that year, Phillips seemed to have his answer — he just wasn't going to let the secret get out. "It doesn't take place in Vegas, but it's certainly the same characters," he revealed.
Then Phillips and his team kept their heads down and worked on a script — one which, we found out nearly a year later, would take the Wolf Pack to Thailand for the wedding of Helms' character, Stu. True to Galifianakis' word, shooting kicked off in the fall of 2010.
Glug, Glug, Glug Our first peek at the "Hangover Part II" production came in October 2010, with a shot of the boys in an airport (Ontario doubling for LAX) on their way to Southeast Asia. That same month, news broke that Mel Gibson had signed on for a brief cameo as a tattoo artist. But after cast protests reportedly cropped up, the controversial actor was dropped from the film and Liam Neeson was hired to take over the role. (Neeson, in turn, was eventually replaced by Nick Cassavetes). "We just had a long talk about it, I explained it," Phillips told us of his conversation with Gibson to let him know about the recasting. "He certainly understood, you know. He wasn't happy, but he certainly wasn't upset. I mean, it just was kind of a bummer because I think he understood the intention of the casting and the role."
Production wrapped up on January 1 of this year, and a teaser trailer dropped the next month. "It's truly a teaser, so it might end up frustrating more than solving questions," Phillips told us shortly before the promo arrived. He wasn't kidding: We could tell that the pals were in Thailand, that things were not turning out very well for them and that Helms somehow got stamped with a Mike Tyson-style facial tattoo. But other than that, plot info was hard to come by. A full "Hangover Part II" trailer appeared in April, giving us more information about the storyline. The shenanigans get started after Stu's rehearsal dinner, when one beachside drink leads to the guys waking up in a shady hotel. Stu's soon-to-be brother-in-law is missing; Ken Jeong's hilarious gangster, Mr. Chow, is hanging out; and everyone has to get back to the resort before the wedding ceremony is set to begin. Helms told us. "Oh, and also hilarious. I forgot that ... Lots of craziness happened on set, and you'll see all of that in the movie."
Cooper declared that he believes the second film is funnier than the first, which made any initial nervousness secondary to his enthusiasm. "I think it was more excitement once we got the second script, which was really wonderful — actually stronger than the first one," Cooper said. "It was just utter excitement to play these characters again and hopefully deliver a movie where fans will be excited to see what happened. We get to see where [Galifianakis'] Alan lives, we get to see Stu progress to two years, [my] Phil as well, so I think it was just exciting to hopefully provide a lot more comedy for people who liked the first one."
That's exactly what Phillips is hoping too. "I think there are very few sequels that have been made that live up to or exceed their first film. 'The Godfather' is the first one," he told us. "We had always planned on calling it 'The Hangover 2,' and when we finished the script, I changed the cover page and wrote 'The Hangover Part II,' because I think the film lives up to or exceeds the first one. It was very much a nod to 'The Godfather.' "
Check out everything we've got on "The Hangover Part II."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons and more join MTV News' rock critic for an in-depth convo at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com.
By MTV News staff
Lady Gaga
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
On Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, MTV will premiere "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," an in-depth documentary that tells the story of the singer's voyage from Lower East Side oddball to the biggest pop star on the planet ... in Gaga's own words, of course.
In fact, those words are so compelling that we've decided to continue the conversation immediately after the doc's premiere, with "Lady Gaga: The After-Show," a live stream hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com. The after-show will delve deeper into Gaga's early days, her creative process and her meteoric rise to fame, as told by those who know her best: Friend and collaborator Lady Starlight, Born This Way producer Fernando Garibay, tourmate Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons and "Inside the Outside" director Davi Russo will all appear on the stream.
We'll also be unveiling an exclusive deleted scene from the "Inside the Outside" documentary. And, of course, the whole thing will go down before an audience of Gaga's most fervent fans — and viewers can even submit their comments and questions using the hashtag #MTVGaga.
"Lady Gaga: The After-Show" will stream live on MTV.com beginning at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday and will be followed by an encore presentation of the "Inside the Outside" documentary. If you're looking for your fix of all things Gaga, then MTV and MTV.com are the place to get it! Tune in Thursday for the premiere of "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" at 9 p.m. ET/PT, then switch over to MTV.com to take part in the "After-Show."
Don't miss "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" to hear Mother Monster herself open up about the creative forces behind her generation-defining career. Our exclusive documentary airs Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live stream on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' James Montgomery and featuring special guests Lady Starlight, Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons, documentary director Davi Russo, producer Fernando Garibay and Gaga's biggest Little Monsters.
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Glitter-heavy pop star tells MTV News she's going for 'balls-out, irreverent rock and roll.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias
Ke$ha's already got the face paint down pat, and, during recent live sets, she's even taken to guzzling blood out of a human heart, so it should come as no surprise that, on her upcoming album, the pop star is taking things back to the most theatrical era of rock: the prop-heavy, arena-spanning heyday of the 1970s.
Ke$h revealed her plans over the weekend in Los Angeles, on the red carpet of KIIS FM's annual Wango Tango concert, where she told MTV News that the follow-up to her breakout Animal album (and, we suppose, Cannibal too) would be heavy on hard riffs and light on pretty much everything else.
"The next album ... I've been working on writing on the road, but as far as a sound, I just know it's gonna be balls-out, irreverent rock and roll," she said. "I've been pretty much in this '70s rock and roll kick and I just want to capture some of the true essence of what rock and roll is, and that's just irreverence and sexiness and fun and not giving a f---, so we'll definitely put a bit of rock and roll in it."
So, does that mean that fans can expect the likes of Alice Cooper or Peter Frampton to show up on her new album? Perhaps. Because while Ke$ha's new album is still a ways off, she's already begun calling in favors, hoping to line up a killer collabo for the new disc.
"I'm trying, trust me," she laughed. "I really would love to connect with one of my idols, I mean, that's my dream. I'm working on it."
What do you think of Ke$ha going rock for her next album? Tell us in the comments!
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Ex-manager Sam Lutfi wants to prove singer is competent to testify in his lawsuit against her mother.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears
Photo: Pacific Coast News
Britney Spears and Sam Lutfi may cross paths again. The singer and her former manager could meet in court, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lutfi wants Spears to give a deposition in a case he's pursuing against her mother. In her book "Through the Storm," Lynne Spears alleges that Lutfi was a "gatekeeper" and manipulated the superstar, cutting her off from people and drugging her. Lutfi was fired back in 2008.
He says those claims aren't true and is suing Lynne Spears for defamation. He has requested that Britney testify as part of his lawsuit. However, her parents are opposed to the idea of having her appear for a deposition, saying that she is mentally incapable. Lutfi has fired back through the courts, and in a motion filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, he requested that Spears undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Spears is currently under the conservatorship of her father, James Parnell Spears, and lawyer, Andrew Wallet. Lutfi claims that her ability to conduct interviews and tour as of late proves that she is capable of testifying, and he has even produced his own expert to weigh in on the matter.
Regardless of the outcome, Spears does have a busy summer ahead of her. She's set to begin work on her next music video later this month for the single "I Wanna Go." And she will hit the road with Nicki Minaj in June for her Femme Fatale tour. Other special guests will include Nervo, Jessie and the Toy Boys and, for some select shows, "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" collaborator Sabi.
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As the youngest top two in 'Idol' history awaited their fates, the guest-stars got a little dirty for the finale.
By Jim Cantiello
Scotty McCreery in the "American Idol" finale
Photo: FOX
"American Idol" season 10 has drawn to a close, and while Scotty McCreery was still digesting all that confetti he ate on Wednesday night, we here at MTV News were working around the clock to bring you news from the big finale, including Thursday's "Idol Party Live" (streaming live right here on MTV.com at 12 p.m. ET) and "Idol" in 60 Seconds, the script of which you can peruse below while you watch the video:
On Tuesday night, Fox televised a Southern junior high school talent show. Yes, season 10 came down to Scotty McCreery and his smirk versus Lauren Alaina and her doctor. There were songs about teenage love, and moms, and the civil war and ... I'm so sorry, guys, I'm trying, but me and country music go together like Haley Reinhart and pants.
On Wednesday, producers booked only the biggest, most contemporary pop stars for the big finish: Gaga, Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones ... Gaga, Beyoncé.
And after every guest star from stage and screen and total f---ing catastrophe [shot of "Spider-man"] finished their cameo, Ryan Seacrest did this. [Montage of Seacrest plugging all the guest stars' projects.]
Wow, if "Idol" did this good a job promoting their own artists, Lee DeWyze might be selling records.
Unless you were a fan of James Durbin's armpits, the night was really all about the big winner, Scotty, and runner-up Lauren, the two youngest "Idol" finalists ever, so producers made this finale especially family-friendly.
[Gaga gets busy with a dancer.] [J.Lo shakes her booty.] [Beyoncé sings, "Let's make love! Make love!"]
Or not. But give "Idol" some credit for still trying to kickstart David Archuleta's puberty.
Ding!
Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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As the youngest top two in 'Idol' history awaited their fates, the guest-stars got a little dirty for the finale.
By Jim Cantiello
Scotty McCreery in the "American Idol" finale
Photo: FOX
"American Idol" season 10 has drawn to a close, and while Scotty McCreery was still digesting all that confetti he ate on Wednesday night, we here at MTV News were working around the clock to bring you news from the big finale, including Thursday's "Idol Party Live" (streaming live right here on MTV.com at 12 p.m. ET) and "Idol" in 60 Seconds, the script of which you can peruse below while you watch the video:
On Tuesday night, Fox televised a Southern junior high school talent show. Yes, season 10 came down to Scotty McCreery and his smirk versus Lauren Alaina and her doctor. There were songs about teenage love, and moms, and the civil war and ... I'm so sorry, guys, I'm trying, but me and country music go together like Haley Reinhart and pants.
On Wednesday, producers booked only the biggest, most contemporary pop stars for the big finish: Gaga, Beyoncé, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones ... Gaga, Beyoncé.
And after every guest star from stage and screen and total f---ing catastrophe [shot of "Spider-man"] finished their cameo, Ryan Seacrest did this. [Montage of Seacrest plugging all the guest stars' projects.]
Wow, if "Idol" did this good a job promoting their own artists, Lee DeWyze might be selling records.
Unless you were a fan of James Durbin's armpits, the night was really all about the big winner, Scotty, and runner-up Lauren, the two youngest "Idol" finalists ever, so producers made this finale especially family-friendly.
[Gaga gets busy with a dancer.] [J.Lo shakes her booty.] [Beyoncé sings, "Let's make love! Make love!"]
Or not. But give "Idol" some credit for still trying to kickstart David Archuleta's puberty.
Ding!
Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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Drummer admits he doesn't know what will come of 'new material.'
By Chris Harris
Jason Bonham
Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images
On Friday morning, mere hours before he was due to take the stage with classic rockers Foreigner at Detroit's GM Renaissance Center, drummer Jason Bonham — the son of late Led Zeppelin kitman John Bonham — told Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison of local rock station 94.7 WCSX that he'd be an ex-member of Foreigner as of September 1. But that's not the only thing he said.
Much to the delight of Led Zeppelin fans everywhere, Bonham revealed that he's been meeting up with Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in recent months and that they've been "trying to do some new material and writing."
It was the first time since Led Zeppelin announced they would re-form for a single performance (which happened late last year at London's O2 Arena, in honor of the late Ahmet Ertegün, who signed the band to Atlantic Records in 1969) that anyone connected to the band has confirmed publicly that new music could be on the horizon for the iconic rockers. While the bandmembers have stopped short of definitively ruling out such a reunion, singer Robert Plant insisted in the wake of last year's show that he intended to focus on promoting and touring behind his critically lauded album with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, Raising Sand.
Not that Bonham knows what — if anything — will happen with the new material he's been working on with Page (who collaborated with pop singer Leona Lewis on an uneven version of Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" at the Olympic closing ceremonies in Beijing on Sunday night) and Jones. He said he just shows up and takes his seat behind the kit.
"I've been over [to England] a couple of times," Bonham said. "I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something. At the moment, all I know is I have the great pleasure to go and jam with the two guys and start work on some material. When I get there, I never ask any questions. If I get a phone call to go and play, I enjoy every moment of it. Whatever it ends up as, to ever get a chance to jam with two people like that, it is a phenomenal thing for me. It's my life. It's what I've dreamed about doing."
He said it's still too early to tell what will become of these "jam" sessions, but admitted that the "possibility of doing something is in the cards. I really felt it was in the cards from the moment we walked offstage at the O2." Bonham also explained that, before there could be a Led Zep LP, "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out," but added that recording with Zep is "something I've always wanted to do."
Bonham noticeably didn't mention frontman Plant's name during the discussion. A spokesperson for Page's management had no comment on the matter, and a spokesperson for Jones' management could not be reached by press time.
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