Author: Flatty
Date: 8/9/04
Rating: 8.0
Movie Rating: PG-13
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So, I shelled out the $6.50 and went and saw Anchorman last weekend. I wasn't expecting much, because Will Ferrell can't cut it on his own. Sure, he's absolutely hilarious when supporting a good cast (see Zoolander, etc) but he just falls a little short when it's him vs. the world of comedy (see Elf).
With that negative outlook in mind, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I found myself laughing. And not that little gutteral chuckle that's released when someone gets kicked in the nuts, but that wheezing, panting, knee-slapping laugh when something is really, truly hilarious.
What this movie does right is that it strings you along from one funny scene to another while still maintaining a story. It's not a constant attempt to make you laugh, but instead the movie waits for the perfect timing to set you off laughing hysterically.
I thought the acting in this movie was quite good. Not in the sense of an oscar nomination for best actor, but the movie had a collection of genuinely funny people in it. In fact, the guy from the Daily Show (not Jon Stewart) probably saved the whole movie for me, since his select scenes had me near tears. Will Ferrell does a pretty good job of playing his part, and even drops a few good situational jokes now and again.
So, if you're looking for a comedy that's actually somewhat refreshing and won't make you feel like the jokes are being forced down your through, go see Anchorman. You won't regret it.