Review: ‘Ted 2’ hasn’t grown up as much as it thinks, which isn’t all bad (Includes first-hand account)

Many children wished their favourite toy was alive and often pretended it was living while playing, but apparently only one little boy won that lottery: John Bennett animated his stuffed bear, Ted. Obviously you can’t discard a self-aware toy as you would others, so John and Ted grew up together to become beer-drinking, pot-smoking slackers. Best friends and “thunder buddies” for life, the two are there for each other through thick and thin. And in Ted 2, it gets pretty thin.

Ted (voice of Seth MacFarlane) is getting married to Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). It’s been several years since the events of the first picture. John (Mark Wahlberg) is divorced and a year into their marriage, Ted and Tami-Lynn appear to be heading in the same direction. But the sage cashier who works the checkout counter next to Ted’s advises him that the key to saving his relationship is a baby. However the process of having a child is far more complicated than one would think and opens an unexpected can of worms: the State doesn’t recognize Ted as a person. On the verge of losing everything, Ted hires a fresh-out-of-school civil rights lawyer, Samantha Leslie Jackson (Amanda Seyfried), to sue for his personhood.

The basic line on this film is if you liked the first picture, you’ll probably like this one. In spite of the high drama plot summary, it still consists mainly of a series of punch lines connected by the serious issue of discrimination being taken to the courts. These contrasting narratives don’t really complement each other, effectively sinking the boisterous mood each time any legal proceedings take the screen. Yet the two independent ideas combine for a rollercoaster film, which finds a way to transition between vulgarity and formality without entirely halting the flow. However, the incorporation of a third storyline involving the Tiffany-loving Donny (Giovanni Ribisi) from the first picture and the head of Hasbro is asking too much of an already stretched script. The only thing more out of place in the writing is a full-length acoustic performance by Seyfried’s character.

The one surprise is they managed to keep most of the film’s funnier jokes out of the trailer, which is a feat considering some of the spoilers to appear recently. This may be attributed to most of the comedy being NSFW (not safe for work), but regardless of the reason it allows the humour to play fresh and consequently get the hearty laughs for which they endeavour. From an assault on people who exercise to a running gag about porn on the Internet to a peculiar strain of marijuana to the plentiful prospects presented bullies at a comic convention, writer/director MacFarlane seizes every opportunity for a gag.

It’s those funny moments that really showcase the chemistry between Wahlberg and MacFarlane, who effortlessly display a deep camaraderie and embrace even the most over-the-top moments in their already absurd friendship. When compared to the first film, their performances are on par with what audiences would expect. On the other hand, rather than attempt to fill the shoes of Mila Kunis‘ straighter, more responsible female character, Seyfried is portrayed as John’s equal with less of a potty-mouth and more brains. There are also a number of guest appearances from a range of (male) celebrities, including Liam Neeson (who does a fantastic impression of himself), John Slattery, Morgan Freeman, Patrick Stewart (as the narrator), Tom Brady, Jay Leno (who really leaves his ego at the door), Jimmy Kimmel, and Sam Jones (a.k.a. The Flash) who returns for the sequel.

Is it stupid? Absolutely. But it’s also pretty funny, which is the best kind of stupid.

Director: Seth MacFarlane
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane and Amanda Seyfried

Similar Posts

  • Review: No shortage of explosions in ‘London Has Fallen’ (Includes first-hand account)

    The premise of so many Hollywood action movies is defending American values from terrorist threats. Typically, one lone man who embodies the courage and skills expected of an American hero risks life and limb to defeat ill-matched bad guys and save the day. While they try to hopelessly eliminate him, he racks up a body count. There’s nothing as simultaneously silly and inspiring as watching the enemy fall at his feet… as he walks in plain view but miraculously avoids injury. London Has Fallen is the sequel to just such a movie in which Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is called upon to do it all over again.

  • Review: This week’s releases define and defy tradition

    This week’s releases include a comedic look at life inside a video game; a young man finding his road to knighthood; a new way to even the odds; a new season of fighting bad guys; an reimagined WWII; and the classic monsters that set the standard.

  • The Blue Trail review: TIFF 2025

    ‘The Blue Trail’ follows a woman who defies the government’s definition of elderly and challenges their new regulations.

  • Review: ‘Come Play’ turns your screen into a window of terror (Includes first-hand account)

    It doesn’t take much for a kid to catch a bully’s attention, but being different is like having a giant target painted on their back. Special treatment, vulnerabilities and awkward social behaviour are just some of the things that can make a kid stick out from the crowd — having all three is a recipe for loneliness. But there are worse things than being alone. There are monsters that prey on young people’s isolation, using the solitude to draw them away from their families and into the darkness. Come Play is about a boy whose lack of companionship awakens a creature that wants nothing more than to be his friend.

  • Review: ‘The Party’ is a master class in acting (Includes first-hand account)

    Secrets, doubts and resentments have a tendency to bubble up in social gatherings — particularly those with a wide range of personalities. One person’s confidence is another’s betrayal; one person’s certainty is another’s fear; and one person’s joy is another’s irritation. As the night wears on and alcohol flows more freely, many things are said that can never be taken back. Confrontations are messy, but someone generally insists on pursuing them to “clear the air.” And then everyone goes home, perhaps a little sadder and/or a little wiser. Thus, we have The Party.