Movie Review: Ted

Seth MacFarlane, most famously known as the creator and voice behind T.V. hits Family Guy and American Dad, brings to us his first feature film, a comedy-fantasy saga about friendship and love, told from the viewpoint of a foul-mouthed, crude, pothead (albeit hilarious) teddy bear. It is Christmas time in 1980's Boston, and a boy named John Bennett is the "outcast" of the neighborhood. He just wants a friend to talk to, and to share his problems. His salvation comes in the form of a teddy bear as a Christmas present, whom he aptly names Ted. That night, John wishes that Ted was real, so they could be "best friends for life." And nothing is more powerful than a young boy's wish. So Ted comes to life, and instantly becomes a celebrity all over the world. We then jump forward roughly 20 or so years. John is working at a rental car agent, and has been dating his girlfriend, Lori (played by Mila Kunis), for four years. Ted is a stay at home pot smoker. Now that John and Lori are getting farther into their relationship, Lori feels that they should take the next step, and ask Ted to move out. So he does, into a rundown apartment that has "not had that many murders". He also gets a job as a supermarket cashier, and meets Tami-Lynn. So, shenanigans happen, Lori and John break up, get back together, Ted gets kidnapped (by a quite funny father-son duo) and rescued, and everyone lives happy ever after. Your standard talking teddy bear and his best friend material. 

I must say I was quite surprised at the level of humor that was present in the movie. There wasn't a scene where I didn't laugh, stemming mainly from Ted's nonstop one liners and jokes. The movie never bogged down nor did the concept ever seem to get boring. The humor was very consistent. MacFarlane's brand of humor is definitely not for everyone. The great thing about his style is that yes, he's vulgar, and he insults everybody, but it's very clever vulgarity and insults. It's well thought out. It's very similar in style to Family Guy and American Dad, with more cussing and nudity. The performances in the movie were done well. Mark Wahlberg as John was a little surprising, compared to his usual action movie type character. And MacFarlane himself is great voicing the title character. The movie was also filled with celebrity cameos, including Ryan Reynolds and the original Flash Gordon, Sam Jones. Overall, a very entertaining movie with a great script, great cast, and plenty of vulgar one liners and sex jokes. The funniest movie of the year (so far). 

Rating: A-

"I look like Snuggles the accountant."