The Other Guys (2010)

Terry ‘The Yankee Clipper’ Hoitz (Mark Walberg) and Allen ‘Paper B!tch’ Gamble (Will Ferrell) play third fiddle to fellow NYC cops and heroes Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) and Danson (Dwayne Johnson). When the dynamic duo of H&D meets their unlikely demise, the desk jockeys finally get their chance.

And that, dear readers, is all you’re going to get. Suffice to say the pithy dialogue, voice-over by actor/rapper/bad-a$$ Ice-T and brilliant casting that includes smoking-hot Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, and Ray Stevenson and with cameos by Brooke Shields and Spike Lee create a summer-must see.

A surprisingly relevant, socio-economic commentary—only if you want to look closely—The Other Guys is a finely executed action-packed comedy. The film’s success is in its delivery. The onscreen chemistry between Ferrell and Walberg is top-notch. With both playing straight, the film contains less sight gags than you’ve come to expect from McKay’s productions. The cop clichés don’t hinder the film. Ferrell and Co. use 'em and blow 'em away.

As I see it, The Other Guys is smart rapid-fire comedy. Every element is on par delivering another level of hilariousness. The soundtrack is incredible. Ultimately, it’s the pairing of Ferrell and Walberg that makes it work.

Guilty Pleasure: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Anchorman is a delicious farce of a male-dominated era that I have no excuse for enjoying, but I do. To my embarrassment, Anchorman quotes find their way into my daily life. How does such a retarded film bring me such joy? It's the flute.

Will Ferrell goes for the gusto as big-shot news anchor Ron Burgundy. The insulting verbal sparring between Burgundy and aspiring lead anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) kills. So does rock flute, loud noises and Sex Panther cologne. Ferrell's antics as Burgundy are supported by skirt-chasing adulators played by Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and the often misaligned David Koechner. A must see is the cameo-filled gang fight with Tim Robbins as public television anchor, Ben Stiller as the Spanish channel anchor, and Luke Wilson.

The comedy is obvious—often obnoxious—but it's just so gloriously cheesy. Carrell’s dumb as a rock weatherman is priceless, but Paul Rudd’s ‘musking up’ is hysterical. You get everything in this production: side-splitting dialogue, slapstick humor, sight gags, and offensive sexist comments.

As I see it, Anchorman is a totally guilty pleasure. It’s so dumb. And I like it.

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (2009)

It was with sadness and excitement that I sat down to watch the end of an era—if an era can be seven months. There is no doubt that Conan will land on his feet, but The Tonight Show will never be the same. Since June, I have come to count on Coco to be there end of my day. He never failed to make me forget whatever stress or drama filled the earlier hours. The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien was my time.

With class and humor, Conan, Andy, Max and Co. took the studio for one last hurrah and it was beautiful. Leading up to tonight’s show has been tumultuous ordeal filled with awesome guests (Pee-Wee!), hysterical bits, Twitter tracker, puppies dressed as kitties, and a concussion.

Tom Hanks was brilliant. With tempered humor, the two pals reminisced whilst sipping cream soda?!

Neil Young, looking completely the ICON he is, sang Long May You Run and I lost it. *sniffles*

The grand finale included Will Ferrell, Beck, and Ben Harper. Conan shredding the guitar alongside with the Stars and Stripes over his shoulder, Ferrell and the cowbell, ZZ Top… it was all surreal and so good. It was truly bittersweet.

Tonight’s episode won’t soon be forgotten, but amid all the fun—‘Dear Internet’ included—I remember one thing vividly: Conan’s goodbye. In it, there was no bitterness, no hate—not even disappointment. He spoke plainly of his relationship with the network, but this… is what strikes a chord:

“All I ask of you is one thing: please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere.

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen.”

That, dear readers, is class. See you in September, Conando.

Land of the Lost (2009)

Perservence is needed should viewers wish to partake of Will Ferrell's latest offering Land of the Lost.  Rest assured, you will be lost amid a hodge-podge of useless banter and unfunny moments.  This adventure starved mess-terpiece is a vehicle of stupidity amid inane pop culture.

Ferrell stars as an palentologist who is laughed at and dismissed by his collegues for strange theories.  Year later, Dr. Rick Marshall is found at the natural history museum being derided by elementary school students.  Joined by a beautiful woman and Danny McBride, stupidity ensues.

Land of the Lost isn't funny.  It's stupid.  I'm unsure about the 'inspiration' of the original television series.  What is certain is this film is way too ridiculously random to be of any merit.  Various pop-culture references are made, but even they are not worth the time.

Avoid this mess at all costs.  Right about now, I'm wishing for 90 minutes of my life back.

Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush (2009)

Will Ferrell's humor isn't for anyone, but his quick wit and quirky manners kill me.  Here, Ferrell brings the Dubyah impersonation he honed on SNL to Broadway with this one-man show.  Eight years in office gave Ferrell plenty of material, but this two hour DVD is laborous at best.  Ferrell has moments of funny, but there are more moments of stupidity than anything.  As a HUGE Ferrell fan, I was disappointed, not by the nearly mean-spirited skewering, but by the trawling.  Can't imagine anyone enjoying this. 

Sorry Will.  It needed more cowbell!

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (2009)

It's the dawning of a new era and Conan O'Brien is in the front seat of his Ford Taurus leading the way. Long the staple of my insomniac diet, O'Brien is well known, not only for his hair, but his sketch comedy and superior monologues.

Debuting on The Tonight Show this evening, O'Brien looked a wee bit uncomfortable, but with encouragement from a rowdy crowd which made him blush--as well as a pale white boy can--O'Brien delivered a solid monologue. New announcer and long time pal, Andy Ritcher was nearby for support. Max Weinberg and the newly renamed 'Tonight Show Band'--complete with LaBamba, also helped O'Brien settle in among some very swanky digs.

His sole interview, Will Ferrell, was an understated exchange, but totally my kind of funny. Musical guest, Pearl Jam was top-notch (FYI: NOT a fan). Perhaps the funniest moment for me, was the taped segment with Conan leading the Universal Studios tram tour. Circle! Circle! Circle!

While Conan and Co didn't push the limits on the first night out, take comfort. This is just the beginning.

Step Brothers (2008)

Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) are two grown men still living at home with their single parents. When Brennan's mom (Mary Steenburgen) meets Dale's dad (Richard Jenkins) and the rest, as they is history, the stepbrothers constant competition and jealousy strain the newlywed's relationship. An unlikely truce begins when they discover equal hatred for Brennan's overachieving little 'bro' Derek and the two become inseparable. In desperation, Dale's dad delivers an ultimatum: they've got one month to get a job and grow up.

Step Brothers is a never-ending joke that stops being funny shortly after it's told. Ferrell and Reilly are funny; their chemistry together even funnier, but this film is dull. Gratuitous language and meanness pervade what could have been. Don't get me wrong, they are funny--what's not funny about a 40-year old clinging to under-roos, grilled cheeses, and tree houses--but this gets old fast.

Elf (2003)

Each year, Elf makes my list of must-see holiday films. It's quickly becoming a new classic. One you just can't help loving year after year.

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human, raised (by Bob Newhart) in the North Pole as a toy-making elf. The trouble is, he's no good at it. Confronted with the truth, Buddy decides to travel to Manhattan to find his real dad (James Caan)

Directed by Jon Favreau, Elf is a holiday riot. It doesn't ask much from it's audience. The cast goes for the gusto with Ferrell leading the way. Buddy is this innocent man/boy discovering the evils of the real world, but he's so innocently clueless--it's hysterical. Ferrell plays him straight with delightful physical comedy and random joyous dialogue. Zooey Dechanel plays Buddy's love interest. Their courtship is sweet without being cloying. Caan is perfectly hateful. Ed Asner plays Santa {that's weird}.

Don't be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. Take Elf for what it is--holiday fun--and you'll enjoy every minute {and won't mind feeling incredibly goofy while doing so.}