By now, nearly every American has seen The Hangover at least once, so I don’t need to sell you on the plot. But I do want to share my experience watching it.

I had the chance to see it in February at a private screening, where they served booze, which, I admit, got me both excited and a little skeptical. I mean, getting your target audience hammered before showing them a finished product? That’s definitely making a statement. But despite a few minor editing glitches early on, the test screening went surprisingly well.

Fast forward to when I saw the movie again at the Vista Theater in Los Angeles. We were hyped to experience it again, and let me tell you, Bradley Cooper absolutely steals the show. His charm and comedic timing are on full display, and it was impossible to ignore how much he elevates the entire film.

The Hangover is about four friends who head to Vegas for their best friend’s bachelor party, only to find themselves in a whirlwind of chaos. After a night filled with tigers, a cameo from Mike Tyson and roofies, they wake up with amnesia, missing teeth and most importantly, a missing groom. They have no recollection of what happened, and their mission becomes a desperate (and hilarious) attempt to piece together the night and find their friend before the wedding.

This movie is a fantastic offering from Todd Phillips, the director behind Old School. It’s a prime example of how a group of guys in a wild, over-the-top situation can still carry an original, strong comedic plot without relying on major A-list stars. And let’s be real, thank the movie gods for Bradley Cooper. Or, as I like to call him, Coop. The man is absolutely killing it, and this film is a great testament to his talent.