If you were wondering what a film would be like if directed/produced/written by “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, it would turn quickly into Ted. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane himself and co-starring Mila Kunis, this movie finesses its way into your funny bone and pricks around until you laugh.
The film tells of one John Bennett (Wahlberg), at first as a child, who has no friends. One Christmas he’s given a teddy bear to keep him company and after a lucky magic wish, the stuffed animal is running around the house with John, playing and vowing to be friends forever.
It’s rather adorable, if you like happiness. The movie (which is also narrated by Patrick Stewart) then fast-forwards about twentyish years later. John is in his mid-thirties, has a girlfriend (Kunis), works in a car garage, is still best friends with his teddy bear Ted and frequently gets drunk and smokes pot with him. The story quickly becomes rather raunchy and vulgar, complete with the “f*ck you thunder” song Ted and John sing together.
Turmoil ensues. And how could you blame it? Ted is keeping John from really growing up, and it comes down to the ultimatum: Ted or his girlfriend, Lori. It’s an impossible decision, and there are adventures aplenty ahead that will mold his decision.
It’s an enjoyable story. I, for one, am a follower of “Family Guy” and have respect for Seth MacFarlane and the innumerable voices he can master. Being the source of at least four main characters and countless lesser ones, he carries the show on his irreplaceable vocal chords’ back. The humor is that of his respective television show: line-crossing and at times uncomfortable. If “Family Guy” isn’t really your style, then Ted will remain in the RedBox this weekend and the next.
Like many movies, Ted is one that will be far better enjoyed when seen in the correct context or setting. I’ve seen many films that I’ve been partial to when I watched them by myself, chomping on popcorn; then I’ll be roped into seeing it again, this time in a group of people and it happens to be the most funny thing around.
Ted is a prime example of a movie to watch on a light-hearted evening with the pals. It’s one that is entertaining but not demanding enough that a bathroom trip is impossible. I laughed heartily multiple times and thus will award Ted four of my stars out of five.
