'The Hangover' is a hit: What's it mean?

When director Todd Phillips found out thatThe Hangoverhad bounced PixarsUpfrom the No.

1 slot and completely annihilated Will FerrellsLand

of the Lost he was in Ireland for the films Dublin premiere.

They gave us a standing ovation after the screening, which Ive never seen before, Phillips tells EW.

I think everyone was drunk.

Back in America, even sober audiences are cheering.

But both of

those were well-known franchises with huge built-in fan bases.

AllHangoverhad

was journeyman supporting actor Bradley Cooper, L.A.-based comic Zach Galifianakis, andThe Offices Ed Helms.

Oh, and a tiger.

Because Warner Bros. had no stars to sell, it relentlessly flogged the movie itself.

So what doesThe Hangovers phenomenal performance mean?

First of all, that the buzz is still building.

(I dont want to put it

out there, Phillips tells EW.

Well get attacked.)

But

if you dont, you better have a great movie.

Hangovers next test will be this weekends Denzel Washington, John Travolta-starrerThe Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.

Check out our box office predictions for our prediction of how it will fare.