Ted 2
Released: 2015
Directed: Seth McFarlane
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Seth McFarlane, Morgan Freeman, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Bath, Giovanni Ribisi.
The inappropriate, swearing, usually stoned, walking, talking teddybear is back. In a haze of smoke Ted returns to our screens in Ted 2. The return has been highly anticipated and unfortunately the hype has not been lived up to. That is not to say film is bad, who doesn't like a grown man covered in sperm, but this Ted instalment won't leave you longing for a thunder buddy like the original did.
Ted 2 opens with Ted (McFarlane) marrying his beloved, the ever classy and oh so well spoken Tammy Lynn (Bath). They are married by Flash Gordon, which lets face it, is either pretty awesome or a tad sad. A year later and the cracks are beginning to show so they decide, oh so wisely, to have a baby. This is where they come upon a sticky wicket (not related to the grown man covered in sperm). Technically, Ted is property. He has no rights and is not recognised as a human being. This has devastating consequences for Ted and Tammy Lyn including the non recognition of their marriage.
So John (Wahlberg), Ted and their pot smoking lawyer (!) Sam (Seyfried) set out on a mission to get Ted recognised as a person and the rights that every American citizen is entitled to. To do this they enlist the help of the caramelly and velvety voiced Patrick Meighan (Freeman). It would indeed be delightful to sleep on a bed made of his voice. Just to put an annoying, creepy Tiffany loving spanner in the works Donny (Ribisi) returns to kidnap Ted again. Its all just a little bit of history repeating.
Whilst Ted was fresh and funny Ted 2 feels more like an extended episode of Family Guy. From the all singing all dancing opening sequence to the numerous movie skits to the random 'out of film' sequences (a Saturday Night Live scene springs to mind). These all result in an atmosphere that is closer to McFarlanes animations than it does the original Ted. As the title of this review states the scene featuring Liam Neeson buying cereal serves no purpose, other than to make your brow furrow. It reeks of Family Guy randomness.
Fortunately the film is still humorous and thankfully McFarlane has not just rehashed the same jokes and storyline. Whilst the humour is in the same distasteful vein we associate with McFarlane it does not feel repetitive.
There are some very funny moments, but not as many guffawingly, drink spurtingly funny as in the original which is maybe to be expected. there are some touching and meaningful points too and the overall theme of equality and diversity is very topical right now even if it is dealt with in McFarlanes usually crass and loutish way. This is not a derogatory description.
As they do in Ted McFarlane and Wahlberg give solid comedy performances and bounce of each other perfectly. Seyfried felt slightly misplaced and did not mesh as well into the film as Mila Kunis did in the original. The animation of Ted is as faultless as the original and as in Ted the actors work with it with finesse.
If you enjoyed Ted and you enjoy Family Guy and American Dad you will enjoy Ted 2. It is not as well executed as the original but it is still funny and delivers a meaningful message. If you understand why Liam Neeson is buying cereal, answers on a postcard.......