TED 2 – The Review

Review by Dane Marti

I realize that all of us—even toy bears— at one time or another experience terrible problems in our lives, ugly demons that affect us or someone we love; they often seem hideously overwhelming: Obviously, this definitely sucks elephantine donkey testicles. Still, I believe that we’ve all got the inner strength to face these bastards and happily rip ‘um to shreds, even if the sob happens to be an evil minion who works at a famous toy company. And if you’re a bear, if you lose your job and find yourself racing around, trying to achieve freedom: tough times lie ahead! And laughter as well.

The funny film TED 2 is more than the sum of its parts. The evening that I viewed the film, I was dealing with a personal issue that made it slightly difficult to view and enjoy a comedy—Not laughing inside. Ordinarily I can easily get lost in a film, happily munching popcorn and enjoying a visual story. In a tribute to this zany movie, I found myself laughing with abandon and maniacal glee. On a few occasions, I was almost vomited with laughter. The opening credits start with a slick and obligatory Busby Berkeley style pizzazz!

The Story:

A year after their marriage, Ted (voiced by Seth Macfarlane) and his wife, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth, a great comedienne) scream at each other in frustration: Ted realizes that only one possible thing can save their marriage: They must have a baby. Obviously, this will not be easy: Ted does not have a bear penis. Of course, I’m not inferring that Ted is definitely is not a male. He most definitely IS. Here is the challenge: Ted will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he qualifies as a ‘person’ in a court of law, in front of a disapproving jury. Helping him along the way is his Thunder buddy Mark Wahlberg and a lovely, stoned lawyer played by Amanda Seyfried. She’s first rate. Over the years, I’ve slowly become a fan of Mr. Wahlberg. He captured the right level of seriousness and humor that’s inherent in someone who has a friend that’s a toy bear.

Originally, I was going to describe some of my favorite scenes, but why? Just go see the movie. I will mention that one of my favorite scenes is a takeoff on Jurassic Park, including its iconic music. Oh—topical events of recent history are referenced as well, including Ferguson Missouri. I particularly enjoyed the Comic Con scenes, with a plethora of hip references to pop culture.

Although this is a wildly insane film, dealing with characters interacting with a Teddy Bear (Thank you C.G. and Teddy Roosevelt!), and although the film would have insulted my father with its scatological and politically incorrect scenes (Then again, this super crazy explosion of hilarity wasn’t made for my pop.), there is also some truly fine thematic moments in the film on freedom and what it means to be alive in the 21^st century. So pay attention!

The audience for the film already loved the original movie. Sometimes the movie did remind me a bit too much of MacFarlane’s beloved television programs. They went with the cinematic insanity in the tale and had a damn good time. Whether or not they appreciated the underlying ideas is something that an undernourished reviewer can fathom.

The overall direction (by Seth Macfarlane) is tight and skillful, but it still had the feel of, say, OH GOD, directed by The Great Carl Reiner. The direction is professional, but the film isn’t trying for cinematic brilliance. The C.G. blending of the bear with more typical humans is outstandingly accomplished.So much of the film might be better seen through a haze of pot smoke. Actually, most of the characters in the film seemed to enjoy a good toke as well.

3 of 5 Stars