Get drunk on comedy

This is how R-rated comedy should be done.

Judd Apatow’s influence on film extends so far that almost every comedy released in the past four years features heart-warming moments. But before Apatow ruled Hollywood, Todd Phillips’ brand of explicit but hilarious humor found in “Road Trip” and “Old School” made stars out of Seann William Scott, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. And after a few missteps, Phillips is back with a film that is just as funny as any Apatow’s crew has produced.

Four buddies head to Vegas for what they hope to be an unforgettable night before one of them, Doug, (Justin Bartha) gets married. However, when Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) wake the next morning with no memory of the previous night’s events, and Doug is missing, the three attempt to retrace their steps to find their friend.

Lacking a message of goodwill or much heart in general, “The Hangover” instead provides consistent laughs through immature toilet humor, outrageous situations and typical characterizations – and it’s all awesome.

The plot trick of having the characters uncover what the heck happened to them works well because the situations they face are either funny, disgusting, insane or a combination of all three.

The main characters here are all recognizable – the uptight one, the good-looking one, the weird one – but the chemistry between Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis is so good it is easy to forget. Though each gets his time to be funny, the film is instantly more so when Galifianakis is out front, whether it be based on his character’s beeper use or sheer stupidity.

Vulgar and over-the-top, but still surprising at every turn, “The Hangover” reminds us that R ratings can be used for more than male nudity. This is the Vegas trip all guys wish they could have.