3 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

cotton candy like the guy said... my tummy itches."

Whether you love or hate Will Ferrell one thing is for sure his portrayal of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman is verging on comic genius. The role allows him to let loose with his manic style without it seeming over egged. Where else could alarming seventies fashion, bouffant hair and a well trimmed moustache look so darn good! Of course Ferrell is well backed up with a good supporting cast; Steve Carell is superb as the frankly senseless weatherman Brick Tamland while David Koechner plays the slightly obsessed sports reporter Champ Kind to aplomb. Of course no Will Ferrell film would be complete without a cameo or two from some of the other frat pack actors, and they are out in force in Anchorman with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn playing rival news anchors. Jack Black makes a brief appearance as a disgruntled biker while the prize for most surprising cameo has to go to Tim Robbins who plays a public access anchor. The chemistry between Ferrell and Christina Applegate (Veronica Corningstone) is also worthy of mention, how she kept a straight face while performing next to him is beyond me she plays the part of struggling newswoman trying to make it in a mans world very well.

Brian Fantana: "People call me the Bry man; I'm the stylish one of the group."

Given the era Anchorman is set in and the newsroom situations the humour can be a little sexist but it doesn't go over board and Ms Corningstone gives as good as she gets, there is a small amount of violence when warring news teams meet for a street fight but again this is more humorous than gratuitous. Language again is strong at times but not overly so and fits well with the scenes that require it, over all the film is a PG-13 rating. I think if you are looking for ninety minutes of no brainer laugh out loud comedy and enjoy films like Dodgeball, Wedding Crashers or The Forty Year Old Virgin then this is a film for you. I found it amusing from the off and even now smile to myself when remembering some of the ludicrous yet hilarious quotes the main players spew fourth with. But surely the best moment of the film is an impromptu rendition of The Starland Vocal Bands Afternoon Delight gloriously sung by the news team, a seminal moment in comedy without doubt.

Learn more about this author, Stuart Le Grice.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Best comedies since 2000?
We want to hear your view. Write now!