8 years ago 8 years ago

Nerdlocker Movie Review: Ted 2

by Chase Gifford 8 years ago8 years ago

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Seth MacFarlane movies really all come down to one thing; do you like Seth MacFarlane? If your answer is yes then I definitely recommend giving Ted 2 a chance. However, if your answer is no, then turn the other way, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Much like the first movie, Ted 2 is filled to the brim with Family Guy style humor. Even the voice of Ted (voiced by MacFarlane himself) is almost exactly the same as Family Guy character Peter Griffin (also voiced by MacFarlane). If you remember the first film, Family Guy is even referenced at one point. There are of course musical numbers, fart jokes, dick jokes, weed jokes and enough pop culture references to make a person’s head spin. Basically the title of Ted 2 is a sort of double entendre referring to the obvious fact that it is indeed a sequel but it’s also more of the same. MacFarlane didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here. He simply took what worked with the first film and upped the joke intake by about 1000%.

This movie can be called infantile, immature, offensive (duh), brainless, pointless and so many other descriptive words meaning stay away at all costs. And to a certain extent I would have to agree. I agree that it’s infantile, immature and most certainly offensive but the way I see it none of those things are bad when it comes to Ted 2. It’s supposed to be these things. It never tried to pass itself off as anything but silly and crass entertainment meant to keep adults busy for a couple of hours. I can imagine as a parent it must get downright infuriating listening to the fucking Wiggles sing about fruit salad over and over again. Sometimes it’s got to be freeing hearing a teddy bear say fuck and talking about Star Trek vs Star Wars. Normally I hate crass for the sake of crass but something about these character simply works for me. I think a major part of its charm is the friendship between a 30 something man and his teddy bear; it shouldn’t work but it does.

If you loved the first Ted as I did then I highly recommend the sequel. The pop culture references occur about one every minute and they are a mixture between blatant and obvious to very clever and ingenious. I don’t want to spoil anything but I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a particular reference. I talked about it with other people who saw the movie and a majority surprisingly didn’t pick up on it, which is why I hope that if I mention it here maybe more people will be able to appreciate what I saw. A certain scene references the classic comedy Planes, Trains & Automobiles and not only is it funny but it’s a loving homage to the late, great John Candy and in a way to John Hughes himself. If you’ve never seen that movie (for shame!) then please watch it before you see Ted 2. It’s a small moment but knowing the meaning behind the joke made it all the more memorable. And the Jurassic Park moment (you’ll understand when you see it)… absolutely on the nose obvious but in my humblest of opinions, one of the best moments of the film.

I saw this movie with a friend and I met with other fellow reviewers whom I’ve known for a few years now and it made the experience all the more jovial. For us at the screening, Ted 2 was an absolute laugh riot worthy of its predecessor. I would have to watch both Ted films to say which is better but I can say now with complete certainty that Ted 2 at the very least is as good as the first.

Rated R For: crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use
Run Time: 115 minutes
After Credits Scene: Yes, and it’s hilarious!
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi
Directed By: Seth MacFarlane

Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 3/ Acting: 3.5/ Directing: 3/ Visuals: 4
OVERALL: 4.5 Nerdskulls

Check out the Red Band Trailer below: