Now Playing (Thursday)

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Ted
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Seth MacFarlane
Synopsis: What eight-year-old boy wouldn’t wish for his teddy bear to come to life and talk? That’s part of the premise of “Ted,” the first live-action, feature-length film from “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane. Those familiar with MacFarlane’s work will realize that would hardly be the end of his cinematic exploration, and it’s not. What “Ted” is really about is what happens 30 years later, when that teddy bear is a profane layabout preventing his manchild best friend from moving forward in life. It’s a funny premise, somewhat ridiculous, and ultimately hilarious. And it’s pretty much what you’d expect from MacFarlane, who wrote the film, directed the film, and provided the voice of Ted in the film. MacFarlane has a knack for a certain kind of humor. He’s very sarcastic and funny, has great interplay among guys, and is whip smart with send ups of pop culture. On “Family Guy” he does this all within the context of the rules of broadcast television. With “Ted,” he has the chance to be a little less restrained, and it works. The film is hilarious at times and often unexpected. MacFarlane provides most of the best lines himself as Ted. His timing is great, his Boston accent is funny, and he takes the visage of a cute and cuddly teddy bear and turns it into something wholly different. That is a unique comic achievement. Equally up to the task are Wahlberg and Kunis. Wahlberg is great in the role of John. He has great comic timing and makes a variety of situations work in a funny, relatable way. Kunis, who provides the voice of Meg Griffin on “Family Guy,” is no stranger to MacFarlane’s sense of humor. She works well in the role of Lori and serves as the perfect straight man to the goings on in the film. “Ted” also benefits from some hilarious celebrity cameos. Sam Jones, who played the titular character in “Flash Gordon,” is great, as is an unexpectedly funny cameo from singer Norah Jones. Also fun is the opening and closing narration provided by Patrick Stewart. There are other great supporting parts too from actors like Joel McHale and Patrick Warburton that really add to the comedy. This isn’t a film for everyone. “Ted” is certainly the kind of film that will probably play better with men, and it is as crass and profane as you’d expect with this kind of movie. But under it all there’s some heart, and a lot of humor. Those are two elements you don’t find in every comedy these days.
Rating: R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Bonus Reviews (Princess Cruises Edition):

Man On A Ledge

Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, and Ed Harris

Synopsis: I didn't see this in the theaters, and based on the trailers, I thought this might be dumb. When it rolled around on the cruise, I decided to give it a try. What I found was a pleasant surprise. The acting is pretty good — which is saying a lot for Worthington. He's been over exposed and isn't my favorite, but he does a decent job in this role. Banks is good in something different, Harris is a fitting villain, and the rest of the supporting cast does all right too. This film actually has a compelling story, something that the trailers can't really capture. It's not incredible, but it is a perfectly serviceable thriller.

Rating: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Vow

Starring: Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams

Synopsis: This film is based on a true story, and supposedly doesn't do justice to the faith of the real-life couple or their story. I can't comment on that, so I will speak purely to this film quality. This isn't a bad film, and it's easy to see why it was a Valentine's Day favorite. Tatum does a nice job in the lead role, and McAdams is great in these types of films. I do wish Tatum could do at least one movie that didn't require him being nude... but maybe that's just me. It's an interesting subject to explore and it's done in a compelling way. It's a good date night film.

Rating: PG-13 for an accident scene, sexual content, partial nudity and some language

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, July 20 — "The Dark Knight Rises"

Friday, July 27 — "The Watch," "Step Up: Revolution"