Anchorman 2 - The Legend Continues

Plot: Ron (Will Ferrell) gets fired from his job in San Diego, and lands a job on a cable news channel. Set in the 1970's and 1980's, Ron rounds up his old news team, and they engage in childish rivalries with the other anchors. He divorces Veronica (Cristina Applegate), and hooks up with his new boss  (Meagan Good). With phony patriotism, sex, animal stories, and car chases, Ron's news broadcast becomes a huge hit. Just as he is celebrating his success, he goes blind. Embittered he retreats to an old lighthouse, but in time he reunites with Veronica and renews his relationship with his son. This sets up his return to broadcasting, and yes, the final battle. [imdb]    [photos]

Review: Anchorman 2 is funny. The humor ranges from slapstick to absurd to satire. The self-absorbed, dim-witted characters that are not likable but we see them in fresh and surprising sitcom scenes. The comedy is uneven, and not all the gags hit -- especially the racial jokes. The funny parts are very funny. 

We get some great comic performances from Will Ferrell. I am not sure who else could pull off the funny-faced, self-assurance that he does in so many gags, especially songs and shark wrestling.

I liked the satire on CNN and Fox News. I also liked the owner who is a cross between Ted Turner and Rupert Murdock. I also liked how simple-minded, lowest common denominator news was successful. All of the cable news graphics were pretty funny too.

I recommend Anchorman 2. It was funnier than expected, and the offensive parts were clearly intended to be satirical.

There is some good music, and many many cameos. 

Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell

Directed by: Adam McKay 

Rating: 3.0 stars: Not high brow entertainment, but funny. And I was in the mood for funny. Needs more likable characters. 

More: Champ Kind: I believe in two things: Chicken, and that the census is a way for the UN to make your children gay.

..

.