Ted: Movie Review

First things first, Ted is an “R” rated film, which means It’s going to be Family Guy style humor without a censor, so parents are apt to leave the kiddies at home for this one, thought it may seem at times marketed towards a teen and child audience. Personally, I would bring a thirteen year old to this film, it wasn’t that raunchy for a developing teen, but perhaps a sixteen year old is more the fair age for this film.

            Ted is about a potty-mouthed, sexist, Bostonite teddy bear…I could just say that and that would be the end of the story, but there is some more that can be used to explain it further: see, the story is based on the crazy writings of Seth McFarlene, the creator of the shows Family Guy, and American Dad. The story is about a boy who makes a wish for his stuffed teddy bear to come to life and be his best friend forever. His wish comes true, and Ted turns into an anthropomorphic being, and grows to be a best friend to the young boy.

            Basically, this story is about a foul-mouthed bear that grows with his best friend into a stoner loser. Seth McFarlene is the voice of Ted, and other Family Guy favorite, Mia Kunis is the girlfriend of Mark Wahlberg. Her part was not really memorable, since it is mostly about Ted. I really didn’t find her part to be spectacular, and really the only thing I took away from her character was that she was the only one that really had any maturity throughout the whole movie.

            Overall the film is rauncy, vile, showing simulated sex between a teddy bear and several women, brief nudity here and there, but mostly foul language, but it is done mostly for emphasis of the scenes, rather than for shock value.

    I don’t really think that much needs to be said about this film, the most exciting part of the film was the preview of the Dark Knight Rises, but the movie was generally funny, a rather under-the-table sleeper of the summer, but it really was not as amazing as I would’ve expected, considering the hype of Seth McFarlene’s first major motion picture, and it NOT being a Family Guy movie.

            The humor is gross, sophomoric, but at times there are a few gems, and the Boston mindset is really captured well at times, though bordering on the verge of stereotypes. Would I recommend this movie? Yes, and no, but I would say in a day-and-age when tickets are peaking almost twenty dollars each, I would say it would be cheaper and more satisfying to viewers to wait for this one to come on DVD and Blu-Ray, rather than see it in theaters.

            It’s really hard to give away any plot to the fil, seeing as the plot centers around putting away your childhood things, and moving on with one’s life, which the main character has difficulty doing with Ted, this makes it difficult for him to have a relationship with Mila Kunis, but despite all her last-chances, Walhberg’s character still manages to screw up every chance given, and finally forces Ted to move out and find his own place. Though Ted is a talking teddy bear, his fame has come and gone, like a “Where are they Now?” special, and although he’s out working, making his own way, there is some danger even for a teddy bear.

            A psychotic fan (played by Giovanni Ribisi) of Ted wants to capture him, and make him a present for his equally creepy son. This leads to a confrontation where Ted is then basically captured, stolen, and kept hostage. The ending of course is a mixed message to how we treat our possessions, but mostly it’s a stoner film with a talking teddy bear.

            In the end, the film is okay, not spectacular, but okay. In this day-and-age when everything is a superhero movie, and Hollywood basically throws a dart at any past fiolm made, for another remake, this movie is a taste of originality, despite having more college-based satire, and sophomoric jokes.

            I would say the movie is not Oscar-worthy, but then again, most movies are not Oscar-worthy. Ted is funny, but I wouldn’t go so-far as to call it the best movie of the year, or best comedy of the year, or even the best summer picture of the year. It is just good, and if you’re interested in seeing it that bad, you will, but I would say that it should be rented or bought on DVD or Blu-Ray, not something to just run out and see. For those who so desires a rating system, I would give it a 3.5 out of 5, but seeing as I don’t use any true point system, I would rather just say the movie is worth a rent, or possibly a buy if you’re a fan of McFarlene’s earlier work, but I’m just not that heavy on recommending spending a dime at the theater for this one.

            Thank you for reading the Malacast Editorial, you can keep in touch with Twitter: @mcasteditorial, or on Facebook, with Malacast Agentt. Thank you again for your support, and look towards the twitter feed for updates on the newest blog updates. If you want, leave a comment on the blog itself, or on the twitter wall, or even through my facebook page.