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| Property of Paramount Pictures |
Will Ferrell takes the screen again as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman 2, alongside his news team cast mates: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner.
The first half of this film moves slowly and is quite different from it's precursor. This lull, however, served a purpose, as it was introducing Burgundy and his audience to a whole new era: the 1980s and the dawn of the 24-hour news cycle.
Once the film gets over it's lull, the classically ridiculous plot finds its wings and the second half proves to be just as goofy and outrageous as the first film.
Plus the new cast members in this installment were great. From James Marsden as Burgundy's rival news anchor to Meagan Good as his boss-turned-love-interest, the entertainment factor multiplied with each interaction.
In addition, the untouchable sweetheart of comedy, Kristen Wiig makes the perfect addition to the cast as a love interest for Carell's character, Brick Tamland.
As if it weren't good enough already, this movie even has a take-home message: the 24-hour news cycle and its constant need for sensationalism corrupts quality news, and even someone as block-headed as Burgundy understands. Although this sounds like a serious issue to pursue in a comedy, the film manages to call out the relevant problem by using entertainingly irrelevant humor. (A triumph.)
If that hasn't sold you yet, remember that epic fight scene between the San Diego news teams in the first Anchorman? Well this one has an even better fight scene. Not kidding!
For those readers who aren't hardcore fans, this movie is worth renting. For those of you who couldn't wait to see the trailers, go see it in theaters while you still can!
Grade: B
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
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| Property of New Line Cinema |
This film was certainly an impressive piece of cinematography, as the journey sequences, casting and acting are all great features. At the same time, however, there aren't enough similarities to the first installment in the Hobbit series.
Just my personal opinion here: there were far too many fight scenes in this film, which makes me believe that the makers of this movie are wearing the story thin. (This is truly unfortunate, as it is supposedly one of the best stories of all time.)
All this being said, if this movie is worth seeing in theaters for anything, it is Smaug, the dragon character voiced by the talented Benedict Cumberbatch. The character is very impressive, both as a character and a product of special effects and animation.
Grade: C+
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