I’ll say this at the outset, Anchorman is one of my favourite movies. I’m a fan of Will Ferrell but he’s done a lot of mediocre and even bad movies over the past few years. ‘Land of the Lost’ would be a case in point. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I sat down to watch a preview of The Other Guys. Detective Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) are the ones stuck with the paperwork and boring cases but are thrown into action when Terry spots an opportunity for them to ditch the desks.
What looks like a small case for building code violations turns into a major deal with Steve Coogan playing the prime baddie. This film differs slightly from other Ferrell movies in that there’s genuine plot to squeeze in here. There’s also big laughs though. The partnership between Wahlberg and Ferrell works really, really well. Whalberg’s Terry is a ball of frustration and is the perfect foil for Ferrell’s procedural Allen. The best scenes between the two are shared with Eva Mendes, Allen’s long suffering wife, who turns in a great supporting performance. A special credit has to be given to Michael Keaton’s Gene Mauch, a double jobbing captain with a propensity for quoting song lyrics.
(Exclusive Culch.ie clip from The Other Guys)
So how does Ferrell fare? In terms of pure hilarity, it’s the best I’ve seen him since Anchorman. He revels in revealing the characters past whilst embracing the ability to make him more adventurous and crazy as the film progresses. The pacing is a bit up and down throughout with big-laugh scenes pitched against the financial plot but overall it holds up. If you’re a comedy fan or a Ferrell fan then I’d recommend catching it.
If you would like to win one of five exclusive The Other Guys t-shirts, just leave a comment below telling us your favourite Will Ferrell movie. The winners will be chosen on Friday 24th Septemeber. Go on, you know you want one.
I think the last few Will Ferrell movies have been mostly dire, but this looks (from the trailer) like a hilarious return to form. Will check out, and great review.
It’s hard look beyond Anchorman for favourite Will Ferrell movie, and this doesn’t quite match that. I enjoyed it for what it was and some of the scenes are brilliant.
Loved Michael Keaton, he needs to be in more stuff.
Down on the one to watch list
Has to be Jay and Silent Bob Strike back - cause I love all Smiths View Askewniverse films and Ferrell is great in that.
@ Pete - so he’s in that? Ashamed to say i’ve yet to check JASBSB out!
Ooh nice review Anto. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this one! My favourite Will Ferrell movie would have to be the Anchorman ‘sequel’ - Wake Up Ron Burgundy. There are some classic moments in there - “A tarantula enjoys a fine chewing gum” lolz.