Ted (2012)

Directed by: Seth MacFarlane

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale, Giovanni Ribisi, Patrick Warburton and Patrick Stewart

Genre: Comedy

Rated: R

As a young boy, John Bennett had a hard time making friends. None of the neighborhood children wanted to play with him and he was lonely most of the time. That all changed when his beloved teddy bear came to life as a result of a Christmas wish. Fast forward twenty-seven years and Ted and John are still best friends that do everything together. John (Wahlberg) is in a serious relationship with Lori (Kunis), a young career woman who is more than a little fed up with his and Ted’s antics. It’s a story about growing up, learning how to balance love and friendships, and accepting adult responsibilities.

Before deconstructing the film for review, let me just say, if you are not a fan of any of MacFarlane’s television shows (Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show) then you should probably just avoid this film all together. If you don’t like crude humor and inappropriate jokes mixed with bathroom humor, it’s best not to give this one a watch. In fact, you should probably stop reading this review right now. However, if these things are right up your alley, please continue.

As a MacFarlane fan, I found this film hilarious. I loved the references to ‘80s television and film, the New England culture references, and the multiple cameos (most notably Ryan Reynolds). There is something to offend everyone here, but if you’re familiar with MacFarlane’s work, that should already be a given. 

Is the plot predictable? Yes. The film is part romantic comedy, part bromance – both genres are fairly formulaic. I think, as viewers, we all knew how it was going to end when we were walking in there. As soon as Donny the Creeper (Ribisi) shows up, you know he’s going to have some hand in the climax. While the humor is similar to that of Family Guy, the plot is fairly straight forward, unlike the randomness of the aforementioned TV show.

What I really liked about the film was using the teddy bear as a metaphor for that one immature friend that many guys can’t let go of – the bad influence that has never gone away. Despite the over-the-top comedy in the film, it does contain a message about growing up and taking on adult responsibilities, as well as learning to respect the different relationships people have in life.

The acting was decent as well. Mark Wahlberg makes his jokes so much better simply by putting them out there with a completely straight face. Still, Mila Kunis had the actual “straight man” role in this film, having to react to all the ridiculous actions of the men around her – from John and Ted, to her pervert boss, Rex (McHale). Of course, the most memorable character is Ted, the foul-mouthed, pot smoking, drunk, skirt chasing teddy bear, who remarkably has somewhat of a character arc despite his offensive nature. Donny takes a close second place though, with his creepy behavior and gyrating dance to Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now."

Overall, it’s hilarious if you go in expecting little more than an uncensored version of Family Guy. The cast is great, as are the jokes, and the final message of the film. Despite its predictability, it is still a very fun watch.

6.5/10