Monday, August 23, 2010

The Other Guys

For whatever reason, Will Ferrell has become an enigma of the comedy world. His films range everywhere from instant classics (Step Brothers) to bitter disappointments (Semi-Pro). Cue director, Adam McKay, who worked with Ferrell on SNL, Step Brothers and a number of other projects. The Other Guys uses the pair’s ability to push the boundaries of a realistic situation into something that just wouldn’t happen. The result is hilarity.

Ferrell plays a sheltered cop, weary of actually participating in police calls. His partner, played by Mark Wahlberg is out of favor in his precinct. Then in an attempt to earn back their respect as cops, they embark on a big case that they constantly screw up. They also get to know each other and build an odd couple type of respect.

This is not the sort of film where inspired acting performances are necessary. With that being said, Wahlberg seesaws between likeable and over the top but is funnier in the straight man role than other regulars, like Paul Rudd. While Ferrell’s movies are not always a sure thing, his performances tend to be solid and when the jokes are funny he’s even better.

There’s no way to know if The Other Guys will be added to the heavily quoted cannon of Will Ferrell’s incredibly successful career. After first viewing, I imagine it will be. Outshining the other comedies of the summer, this film has a combination of funny and quality actors and a story line that actually has a plot underneath the jokes. Personally, I always love a good Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson cameo… and he’s side by side with Samuel L. Jackson. It doesn’t get much more badass than that. (9.0 out of 10)

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