The American summer film season has got off to a pretty great start with Fast Five, Bridesmaids and Thor having generated some strong critical buzz, but it is The Hangover Part II which is the first movie to really disappoint.

I personally loved the first film, but have since discovered it doesn’t hold up too well on repeat viewings. It’s enjoyable, but when you know the gags coming, it’s hard to get an uncontrollable belly laugh out of them. Therein lies the problem with The Hangover Part II. 90% of what you will see in the 104 minute running time is marred by that “been there, done that” feeling. Nothing feels fresh, and worst of all, every gag can be seen coming from a mile away.

The film’s saving grace does lie with Ken Jeong. Where all other returning bit players feel tacked on and unnecessary (why producers felt it was necessary to bring back Mike Tyson is beyond me), the sequel’s only semblance of originality comes from the Mr Chow scenes, as Jeong dominates every shot he is in.

The same cannot be said for Zach Galifianakis’ Alan. The character appears to have gotten more insipid, stupid and irritating in the sequel with every line delivered being more painful than the last. After two massive blackouts, how, even with the suspension belief for cinema’s sake, these characters can still call him a friend is beyond any reasonable logic.

The Hangover Part II is not a bad film by any means, it’s just the exact same film as its predecessor. The framework is the same. The script is identical. The jokes are, for the most part, recycled, but worst of all; the characters have not learnt a single thing from their last drug and alcohol fuelled blackout. Substitute Vegas for Bangkok, a baby for a monkey and Doug for Teddy, and you have The Hangover Part II.

The Hangover Part II opens nationally 26 May. Check out the trailer below.