Ted 2 : Movie Review


Ted 2 (2015) - Movie PosterIn many—nay, most—ways, "Ted 2" is more of the same, a sequel that has been willed into existence by the outrageous success of 2012's "Ted," a happily profane comedy about a 35-year-old man and his friendship with his childhood teddy bear come to life. It was a foregone conclusion that there would be a second installment when the original grossed $549-million worldwide, but the story had already worn itself thin, a one-joke piffle of ridiculousness that would have worked better as a five-minute "SNL" sketch. The decidedly unimaginative nature of its premise did not bode well for a return engagement, but if there is good news to be had about "Ted 2" it is that this one actually has something to say beyond its continual bong hits and sex jokes. Alas, the newfound social consciousness of writer-director Seth MacFarlane (2014's "A Million Ways to Die in the West") and co-writers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild's screenplay is undermined by a discouraging whiff of hypocrisy. It is difficult to buy into MacFarlane's sincerity over themes involving equality when, in the same breath, he thinks nothing of tossing in throwaway gags involving gay and trans panic.

Stuffed bear Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) has only been married to grocery clerk coworker Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) for a year, and already their relationship is on the rocks. In an effort to reaffirm their commitment, they decide to have a baby. Their attempts by way of a sperm donor and adoption not only fail them, but bring up a much larger issue when the state government refuses to recognize Ted as a person and promptly annuls their marriage. Desperate to reclaim Ted's human rights, he and best pal John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) seek the help of 26-year-old attorney Samantha L. Jackson (Amanda Seyfried), a recent law graduate who passionately takes on their case. John is still hurting after his divorce to Lori (Mila Kunis in the first film, nowhere to be found here), but in the vivacious, penis-bonged Sam he finds someone who just might be perfect for him.


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Author : Dustin Putman, TheFilmFile.com.