The Port Arthur News
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I've always enjoyed Will Ferrell's particular brand of humor. I appreciate the fact that the actor is fearless and willing to do anything for a laugh. Then again, I also understand why some people may not be taken in by his broad actions and zany, in-your-face characters. I guess it all comes down to personal preference. Some people find him funny, others just do not.
Ferrell's latest movie, "The Other Guys" isn't likely to win him any new converts. It's another silly endeavor, notable mostly for its A-list supporting cast. Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson and Michael Keaton co-star, playing an assortment of police officers. Jackson and Johnson are the station's stars--the heroic cops like those you see in the movies. Ferrell and Walberg, on the other hand, play "The Other Guys;" average officers content to work behind the scenes while the A-listers grab all the glory.
The humor comes from asking what would happen if these other guys were suddenly thrust into the spotlight. As you might suppose, chaos erupts, along with some sporadic humor and minor moments of action.
Directed by Adam McKay, Ferrell's frequent collaborator, the film has the same feel as "Anchor Man," “Step Brothers” or "Talladega Night." Once again, I find these films to be quite funny, while others rolled their eyes at the broad humor. In something of a surprise, Mark Wahlberg scores some nice laughs here, and it's nice to see him (and the rest of the cast) playing against type so amusingly.
As the film progresses, the crime portion of the story starts to take center stage, and the comedy is shoved aside. I know it's a buddy cop comedy, but did anybody pay money to see Will Farrell in an action flick? No, we're all here for the jokes, and you feel almost cheated when the police procedural takes over.
The bottom line is that "The Other Guys" makes for an okay comedy and a mediocre action flick. There’s nothing bad here, but not much that really shines either. Farrell's fans will laugh. Wahlberg's fans will revel in his unknown comedy chops. Funny movie fans, however, might want to find something funnier in theaters.
Movie reviews by Sean, “The Movie Guy,” are published bi-weekly in “The Port Arthur News” and weekly on KFDM-TV. Sean welcomes your comments via email at smcbride@kboi2.com.
