Ted

The Mind Behind Family Guy Takes His Shot at the Big Screen...What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

We've all seen Family Guy and heard all the jokes.  You may not get every one, but every joke made on Family Guy is always gotten by somebody somewhere.  Think what you want about Seth Macfarlane, but he knows how to make immature people laugh.  After eight seasons of Family Guy, he took his shot at the silver screen and didn't disappoint his loyal fans...at least not me.

Ted is unlike any movie I had ever seen, in both the best and worst ways possible.  Everything is uniquely Seth Macfarlane, starting with the plot.  On the surface it seems fairly almost innocent; a young boy named John wishes for a friend and receives a teddy bear named...wait for it...Teddy.  When he wishes for his friend to stay with him forever the bear magically comes to life and becomes a celebrity.  Things go well for awhile, but, eventually, the boy grows up and the bear does too...sort of.  Years later the movie finds John (Mark Wahlberg), grown and trying to make a career for himself and have a relationship with the woman he loves.  Unfortunately, he has one small problem - his talking teddy bear who lives with him and refuses to leave.  His manner is rude, crude, and everything else Seth Macfarlane.  Ted doesn't work a job or do anything productive; he's more into cigaretts, beer, TV, and partying.  John know he won't be able to move on with his life unless he unloads Ted, but dumping his longtime best friend is easier said than done.  Things really get complicated when a demented TV viewer decides he wants Ted for his own and seemingly normal guy John is faced with deciding between his best friend and the future he truly wants.

If you're a fan of Family Guy and it's irreverent humor, you'll likely enjoy Ted.  If you're looking for something mature, this is definitely not the film for you.  It's nowhere near a "quality movie" but if you are, or were ever a fan of Family Guy, it is most certainly entertaining.  As crude as it may be, much of the humor is clever, as per the usual from Seth MacFarlane.  If you looking to laugh at offensive, stupid things, give Ted a try.

2.5 Stars