Ted (2012)

Seth McFarlane, better known for his work behind 'Family Guy', 'American Dad' and'The Cleveland Show', tackles his first motion picture. Apart from voice acting or starring in them of course. The introduction to 'Ted' shows a young boy called John being given a teddy bear for Christmas. One night he wishes that his teddy bear was alive, and that's what he gets. The film then fastforwards twenty odd years where John has grown into Mark Wahlberg, is going out with Lori (Mila Kunis), and still has Ted (voiced by Seth McFarlane) for a roommate.

Firstly, yes it is funny. There is definitely a hint of the same humor from 'Family Guy', 'American Dad', and 'The Cleveland Show', especially 'Family Guy' as you get the cutaway gags, which is both good, and bad at the same time. It's good mainly because fans of McFarlane's will get into the film with ease. It's bad, because 'Ted' could then be classed as a carbon copy, good lord his animated shows are already being called carbon copies. It doesn't really help when the same actors and actresses from those shows have been called in, like Mila Kunis (Family Guy), Patrick Stewart (American Dad), Patrick Warburton (Family Guy), and Alex Borstein (Family Guy).

This being a live action film, I thought McFarlane was going to take a risk, try something completely different, make 'Ted' its own entity, and in a way he does succeed that, but not by much. And while the jokes are still funny, some do just fall flat or take too long to reach the punchline. Don't get me wrong, I still think this is one of the funniest films of the year, but I would understand if some find it falls flat. The Thunder Song itself is both really funny but overused thanks to the trailers.

The film does also take a risk at criticising other films, like 'Superman Returns' and 'Jack and Jill', saying the latter is "unwatchable", thankfully the film is good enough to criticise other films.That being said, there will be some jokes which some will probably find highly offensive, so watch if you dare.

Storywise, it's damn interesting, you can't deny that. But you can't help but feel that they're trying to cram so much into the film, which would explain why the film is nearly two hours long, and unfortunately you feel this. If you get my drift. Basically, it's bum numbing. We have the introducion of course, to both the childhood and adult life, Lori feeling that Ted is a bad influence, Ted moving out, John and Lori breaking up, the quest to get them back together, it's can be long winded.

The acting, was really good. Mila Kunis is, as always, a gem, the supporting cast were great too and we had brilliant cameos from Sam Jones and Ryan Reynolds. Mark Wahlberg, I admit I never really liked him. I thought he was one of the most overrated actors of all time, mainly due to the Italian Job remake (Yes, I don't like it), and not even 'The Departed' changed my mind that much. Here though, I may actually start liking the guy. I truly enjoyed Whalberg's performance in this. Giovanni Ribsi was an unexpected surprise, and he played his part wonderfully.

The special effects meanwhile, were brilliant. The motion capture used on Ted was superb and he really did look like he was a living breathing character, he looks like he is actually there, it looks like the characters are actually interacting with him. I think there are one or two moments where that skill is lost, but despite that it's still really good.


So overall, it has its flaws. But, it's still a hugely enjoyable film. The acting is great, the story is well thought out, most of the jokes are actually funny (Which is something most other comedies lack), it really is a must see. In all honesty, I do think it's a marmite film from what other people have said, but the majority of people do seem to love it rather than hate it, and I for one love it.