> REVIEW
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Ted (2012)
From the creator of Family Guy…
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By Simon Francis | August 2012
DIRECTOR: Seth MacFarlane
WRITER(s): Seth MacFarlane / Alec Sulkin / Wellesley Wild
The revelation that a politically incorrect, foul mouthed, pot-smoking, beer swigging, womanising teddy bear takes centre stage in Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane’s latest project won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with the comedian’s body of TV work. That it’s for his live action, feature-length directional début on the other hand…
The familiar and amiable tone of Patrick Stewart’s narration evokes A Christmas Story as we’re introduced to a young, unpopular boy in the Boston ‘burbs by the name of John (Bretton Manley). For Christmas he receives a stuffed bear and later that night wishes his ‘Thunder Buddy’ to come to life. Much to John’s delight and his parents horror, his prayers are answered. Cue ‘80s montage.
Of course, being a walking talking bear comes a little attention and we witness the rise and fall of Ted’s fleeting stardom (a lot like Corey Feldman as our narrator explains) but what is apparent is the insoluble bond between Ted and John.
Fast forward to present day where a now dishevelled Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) and rut-happy John (Mark Wahlberg) reside in the comfort of their sofa, smoking pot and watching their childhood hero Flash Gordon on repeat. It is not until John’s long suffering girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) orders Ted to move out and for John to finally grow up that the rom-com narrative slips into gear. Well, sort of.
It’s fair to say the plot is thin, if functional at best, and Ted plays much like an extended episode of Family Guy with MacFarlane dominating proceedings with his outrageously absurd, often whip-smart humour. At one point he even dares to self-reference with Ted quipping to fellow partygoers he doesn’t sound that much like Peter Griffin.
Yet, to his credit MacFarlane still manages to raise intriguing, universal questions about the social evolvement of age, sacrifice and the necessity of growing up. Themes which are epitomised by a superb turn from Mark Wahlberg, who not only provides worthy comedic support to MacFarlane’s chauvinistic scene stealer, but manages to effectively convey many traits and sensibilities of the modern everyman. Are those who revel in MacFarlane’s animated output really any different to the Flash Gordon loving John?
Don’t fret none of these philosophical ponderings come at the expense of MacFarlane’s wickedly filthy, pop-cultural jokes, which tickle, tease and pound your funny-bone with consistent ease.
Mila Kunis continues to enhance her star with an empathetic turn as Lori, while Giovanni Ribisi masters creepy as the slightly underdeveloped passive father of a chubby, spoilt brat (Aedin Mincks) who wants to steal Ted for himself, and there are great cameos from the likes of Norah Jones, Tom Skerritt and Flash Gordon himself, Sam J. Jones.
Script…………………………………………………………………………………………….
MacFarlane teams up with frequent collaborators Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild
and the trio effortlessly translate MacFarlane’s unique brand of comedy to the big
screen. Story takes a back-seat to the jokes, but when they’re this effective it’s
hard to grumble. 3
Direction………………………………………………………………………………………..
MacFarlane’s transition into live-action is a smooth and welcome one and he
shows admirable control and technique with the some of the narrative’s more
demanding sequences, including a hilarious car chase, while the natural
chemistry between him and Wahlberg is a joy to watch. 3
Verdict…………………………………………………………………………………………..
MacFarlane is real. 3
