Review - Ted

Hanging With Ted

A movie about a stuffed teddy that ISN’T for kids?

 Really?

That is what we are looking at with the new film Ted, from Seth MacFarlane.

John (Mark Wahlberg) has always had a hard time fitting in. As a child the neighborhood kids did not want him to be a part of even the most extreme situations. All he wanted was a friend. For Christmas he got that friend, a stuffed bear named Ted (Seth MacFarlane)and a wish brought that bear to life.

Now fast forward, John is 35 and Ted still lives by his side. They spend the day indulging in weed and watch shows like Flash Gordon as long as they can. But as John is growing up, he tries to solidify his relationship with his girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis). As you can imagine, the ultimatum finally comes – it’s me or the bear. Who will come out of this relationship? Can everyone be friends?

Let’s put all the preconceived notions out there right now…this is NOT a kids’ movie. Ted is for adults. Seth MacFarlane has a fan base from his creation of the television series Family Guy and brings more of that edgy humor to Ted. It will offend you, really it will. But you will also laugh, A LOT.

Wahlberg steps out and creates John as a character that is conflicted but relateable. The cast works with MacFarlane’s edgy script to deliver the most laughs that I’ve had at the theater in quite some time. It’s wrong and over the top from time to time, but in the same regard it’s oh so right.

I found myself loving the wisecracking Ted. It is not for any kids, by any means. And if you are easily offended this one might not before you. But Family Guy fans, take note this is everything you could have wanted and then some. Ted is an explosion of funny on screen.

B+

Ted

Universal Pictures

Director: Seth MacFarlane

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane (voice)

Rating: R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use.

Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes