The summer blockbusters have largely been comic book adaptations (Avengers Assemble, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises) so it made a nice change to welcome a totally different kind of film to brighten up our ‘summer’. Step forward Seth MacFarlane, creator of animated hit TV show, Family Guy, with his first feature-length film, Ted.
What’s it all about?
Ted focuses on John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) whose teddy bear, imaginatively named ‘Ted’ (voiced by MacFarlane, himself) came to life when he wished as much as a child. Now in his mid 30s, John still lives with Ted who has gone on to become not only a celebrity but a pot smoking, foul-mouthed one. Charlie Sheen, anyone? John is in a long-term relationship with Lori (Mila Kunis, who incidentally voices ‘Meg’ on Family Guy) but after four years and still no proposal, Lori is getting impatient. John’s friendship with Ted doesn’t really help either.
Any good?
Yes and no. Your enjoyment of Ted will very much depend on your sense of humour. If you like your humour decidedly lacking in sophistication and quite frankly, a bit base then Ted won’t disappoint. It’s vulgar, littered with profanities and immature, however it is also funny…for a while, anyway. Mark Wahlberg again proves his worth in comedic roles with Mila Kunis’ Lori providing the sensible dynamic.
What’s bad?
A rather boring means to an end subplot reminiscent of 101 Dalmatians isn’t great but does provide a scene which will probably have 30-somethings remembering who they lent their support to, Tiffany or Debbie Gibson. Or maybe that was just me… It does get descend into sentimentality too but you probably saw that coming.
Worth the ticket price?
If you’re after a fun night out without having to think too much, Ted does what you ask of it but I found it to be more of a chucklesome affair rather than a laugh-out-loud film. That is, aside from a fight scene between John and Ted that literally had me in tears. Thank God it was dark because I’m reasonably sure that did not look good!
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