Cool News
A Pair of Extremely Happy Reviews of... Will Ferrell's ANCHORMAN!!!
Hey folks, Harry here - Boy - Will Ferrell seems to be on one helluva magic run. It has been a long time since we've had a consistently hilarious theatrical SNL ex. Maybe soon we'll all die in a horrible global atrocity like an enormous frozen turd deposit by an ancient race of enormous space beings that comes and hits earth and puts an end to us all. I mean, it could happen - what with Will always being funny. That is just too good. After the BNAT preview - I really want to see this one...
Harry or whoever,
Saw this earlier tonight and thought I'd give it a shot by sending it in.. do with it what you want.
Anchorman Review
I just got back from an advanced screening of the new Will Ferrell movie Anchorman at The Block in The O.C., California. I know that a lot of people from my generation of college students LOVE Will Ferrell and all that he is about. I can watch his SNL DVD over and over again and it never gets old. His roles in Old School, Elf, and now Starsky & Hutch have always been guaranteed to start pain-inducing laughter. We've come to expect a higher level of comedy from anything that has Will Ferrell's name attached to it and Anchorman fits right into that category.
I'm gonna omit the bullcrap summary because it always bothers me when I read it. I think anyone who's reading this knows what the movie is about and if you don't, then do a quick search. Admittingly, I was going into this movie with a biased view, but it didn't fail to deliver and I think the rest of the theater felt that way too.
On the way home from the movie, my girlfriend and I were having a discussion on Will Ferrell's type of comedy. I think that it's on the absurd side, but still believable. He brings our attention to the norms in life that we forget to take notice to and makes them funny. He's been able to pinpoint a comedic voice that our present culture is able to identify with and milks it for all it's worth.
This film is full of Will Ferrell's type of comedy. You can tell that him and Adam McKay worked together on SNL by comparing this film and various sketches from that show. You know the sketch on the DVD, Ferrell as Robert Goulet singing The Thong Song and others? And that deer is wheeled up and Ferrell goes into that small talk with it? That's how this whole movie is!! It sets itself in this own separate world that is similar to ours, but where a turf war between local news teams is believable.
I pretty much enjoyed the film from beginning to end. Like I said, the audience laughed the entire time and probably reacted to everything just how the suits wanted them too. I loved the awesome cameos by Mr. Show alums Paul F. Tompkins, Jay Johnston, and Jerry Minor. Just the fact that I saw them on screen made me laugh harder than anything. In fact, this film has a lot of people that were involved with that whole 'underground' comedy thing like those guys, David Koechner, Fred Armisen and more cameos that I don't want to ruin here.
Besides Ferrell, what made this movie great was the rest of the cast. Even the smallest roles are played by extremely talented people. All of the other main news characters were funny and memorable. David Koechner, Steve Carell, and Paul Rudd are all funny as Burgundy's backup newsteam. Each of their characters have... unique personalities that compliment Burgundy's nicely. Vince Vaughn, who wasn't in the trailer, is the leader of the rival newsteam and successfully plays the character with the same personality that we've all come to love, but as an antagonist. The ending between him and Burgundy was classic.
Christina Applegate is also in it as the new anchorwoman/love interest. The relationship between her and Burgundy was played off nicely and her scenes in the film were all very good.
To me, the film flowed well and never had a dry spell that came off as boring. If anything, I'd say that there was a jazz flute 'seduction' scene that the audience did not seem to respond to that could get cut down just a little bit, but it seemed like there needed to be more music and stuff added in so I think that might of been a part of it. This will definitely be a moneymaker, though, and I can see this as being on many a dorm room DVD shelf, quoted constantly. Hopefully this will make a lot of money so we can see August Blow-Out A.S.A.P. A montage glorifying Anaheim!? GENIUS!
Until whenever next time is... call me......
Squints Palledorous ...out.and then there's this review...
Just saw a sneak of anchorman tonight and I have to say it was excellent, not since Happy Gilmore have I seen a ridiculous ex-SNL cast member movie that was this good. No Corky Romano, No Ladies Man, but a fucking new version of Billy Madison. This film revives the glory days of SNL-esque comedies. The cast is amazing and the jokes are hilarious. Looking at IMDB after I got back I did however notice major cuts to the film, numerous actors were missing from the final cut:
Maya Rudolph
Justin Long
Chris Williams
Chuck D
Kevin Corrigan
and
Amy Poehler to name a few!
They're listed as cast members but didn't appear in this cut.
The humor however will bring you back to the days when SNL type films consisted of off the wall situations and pure insanity. The film could change drastically by it's release, but what I saw tonight was perfection.
How could a person sell someone on Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore, I don't think you really could, all you could do would be to list the good things about it. Well here are the good things about Anchorman.
2 bad dummies
Cameos up the wazoo (Tim Wilson, Jack Stiller, Ben Trejo, Danny Black, and Luke Robbins)
Murder without repercussion
People on Fire
Amputation(s)
A giant Gangs of NY/ West Side Story/ Planet of the Apes fight amongst 5 news teams!!!
A touching conversation between a Grizzly Bear and a Dog, all subtitled
Those are just a couple of the hilarious jokes that were in the cut I saw. Im guessing the studio hated the original cut, or maybe it just sucked shit and they cut together this, and it worked. Whatever they did it gave birth to a type of film I haven't seen in quite some time. Hopefully this will be the revival of the oddball, childish, ridiculous SNL films that got many of us through our teens. Hopefully the film is untouched, but I'm sure we will lose something
Cobra Commander Out
P.S. I saw Starsy and Hutch last week aswell, I found it pretty fucking boring, so there's one negative review for ya.
-
+ Expand All
-
I love that SNL best of Will Farrell DVD. That Robert Goulet bit is great! It's so absurd, and yet he takes it so seriously, that makes it funny.
-
without the glove over the head gag of course.
-
Feb 26, 2004 8:48:59 AM CST
This is what happens when you're more worried about links than r
by chrth
That's one big ol' review there, huh? Personally, I don't understand all the Will Ferrell worship, but if other people like him, who am I to judge? Whatever blows up your skirt.
-
Drew and Harry, I'm getting really sick of trying to defend you guys to myself. I have visited this site RELIGIOUSLY for very nearly its entire history, and, though I haven't been a particularly vocal participant, I've been silently observing. I've always hoped that once you guys had some success, the news would actually IMPROVE as you developed new contacts. But the truth has been that the site has suffered... fewer updates, fewer contributors, more ads, no site design improvements. Hell, I haven't even seen a new Cartuna animation in ages. Now this Amazon linking stunt... if I wanted to know about the movie mentioned I'd go to IMDb, but instead you've taken the time to link to Amazon as if I actually would like to purchase "Corky Romano"? I hope the commission check is large enough to justify the insult to your regular readers. This isn't the first time I've complained, and I'm not by nature a complainer. I want some acknowledgement for my issues, or you lost me... another loyal reader.
-
stopped reading right about there...
-
.....Surely he means 'Ying Yang'?
-
Feb 26, 2004 9:20:55 AM CST
Don't compare Anchorman to an Adam Sandler movie like that's a g
by mortsleam
The only "Glory Days" of SNL vet comedies are the ones starring Bill Murray. And maybe Wayne's World and/or Austin Powers. The rest are simply boring, obvious, immature crap. Sandler is the worst of them all. Anchorman looks funny, I hope it truly isn't in the same sophomoric vein as Sandler's Kindergarten helium voiced poo jokes.
-
.....I don't see whay they are such a bad thing? Okay, this one was a little excessive, accidentally I assume, however I have been dilligently visiting this site for what must be 4 years now, have found it largely to be entertaining and informative and have not paid one penny (or indeed cent) for the pleasure.
If the AICN council wish to pop links to Amazon on I don't see a problem (and it is none of my business anyhow) - they aren't affecting my browsing (unlike popups) - surely there's an element of 'sour grapes' here?
Revd Barney Hood -
for all those americans out there will ferrell uses the (unknown to you) comedy force of irony...yes i know you dont get it but that in itself is ironic saying as all your best (which excludes sandler, ferrell, etc) comediens use it
-
Don't you mean, "Surely there's an element of Sour Grapes here?
-
jack stiller? danny black? what the hell's the point of doing that? good to see danny trejo though
-
Normally I am quite open-minded about letting other people hold they're own opinions, even on this site where so many people are little bitches who bitch for the sake of bitching, but anyone who says Will Ferrell is not funny is just plain wrong. I don't care who you are or why you feel the need to prove your superiority by trashing everything that is even remotely popular, but no one can truthfully say that Will Ferrell isn't funny. Also, no one can truthfully say that Billy Madison isn't funny. Will Ferrell is a comic genius. Accept it.
-
Harry, don't post this garbage! These reviews are indicative of what's ailing your site these days. Mediocre contributions from people who haven't got a clue on how to sell or trash a movie. If anything, I want to see Anchorman less now. I'd rather you did zero updates than throw these turds on the wall. They ain't stickin!
PS. Any comments on Moriarty's review of The Passion? For a review that took months to write it sure was light on constructive criticism and heavy on personal "Mel Gibson" attacks.
just one reader's observation.
-
Those two are ruining SNL
-
Feb 26, 2004 3:09:57 PM CST
On the Plus: The bandwidth isn't a problem anymore, and this mov
by fatboy_roberts
This is possibly the first AICN article where almost the ENTIRE THING is one big link to Amazon. I know it's a coding error, but it's still kind of funny.
-
Here's his high school senior photo! http://www.collegehumor.com/?image_id=12207 I guess AICN has finally just made their reviews all one big link to Amazon. I knew it was coming...
-
B level comedian, all the way.
-
Happens to everyone. ... Well to everyone who's an AOL'er anyway :p
-
Thank you for restoring some of my faith in these Talkbacks. Everything you said about Will Ferrell is spot on.
Not only do I not understand how someone could POSSIBLY dislike Will Ferrell, I simultaneously find those people completely douchebags devoid of any sense of humor whatsoever.
He is a comedic genius. How many absolutely HUGE movies is it gonna take to prove that? Because this is gonna be one, and his next flick is gonna be one, and the next one, and the next one... -
You stupid cumflakes.
-
oh fudge
-
If only Wil Ferral was a hobbit.
-
For as long as I've read threads here, I've noticed one thing... every single, solitary subject has detractors who dump all over it. The Rings Trilogy... lots of people love to insult it. Van Helsing? People say it sucks before it comes out. Every single Best Picture nominee. Somebody out there will post something in Talk Back that essentially rips the film to shreds. Most of the people who respond to things here do it to put things down. Fact facts... film is subjective, just 'cuz you think it's crap doesn't mean it isn't gold. Comedy is extremely subjective. I, for one, can't stand virtually every current cast member of SNL - and I especially find Jimmy Falon unbearable. Will Ferrell though is one of the funniest guys alive (in my humble opinion).
-
I had no idea there was ANY hatred towards Will. I mean, how can you hate the man who carried SNL the last couple seasons he was on? He's so good at what he does, I mean, how many people could have played that elf? I mean, sure, the end of that movie was pretty weak, but, Old School? Genius, pure genius! Now, can he be Darren from Bewitched? That'll be weird... bring a whole new dynamic to the character... Carrey would've been better for that. And have you seen him on Conan? As for Anchorman, looks awesome.
But again, how can anyone hate him? Ludicrous. -
Who would others suggest out of today's crop of comedy actors/actresses if they don't find Will funny? I find it difficult to mention anyone who doesn't use the ironic humor. Perhaps Jack Black with his in your face physical comedy and yelling. But I seriously would like some examples as to who we should apparently all be watching instead of Will. Also, for whoever said something about Amy and Maya ruining SNL, they are basically the only ones that can put at least a couple of good sketches together each week. Fallon laughs and fucks up all of his, Horatio isn't in enough to do anything, and....aww fuck it, Amy and Maya are the only hope the show has right now until Keenan starts getting some more time.
-
JackDonkey -- have you been freebasin' Ambien again? Rudolph and Poehler are the only two interesting performers left on SNL (save for maybe Parnell and Armisen). Of the current cast, they are the only ones that I forsee having any kind of career in film. Why? Commitment to character. Aw, why am I wasting my time? You're probably a fan of Horatio "I'm Fat, So I'm Funny" Sanz. Go and watch your Superbit edition of "Boat Trip".
-
Feb 27, 2004 5:53:08 AM CST
I think they should make "Old School 2" with Hulk Hogan as the b
by mbaker
We're going to get so much ass here... like boy band ass, Brother!
-
the answer to your question is - no it ain't cool......FAT BOY!
-
If you consider that "humor," you are a boring little person.
-
Feb 27, 2004 1:37:51 PM CST
This is only tangentially related to Will Farrell, as it involve
by mortsleam
Does anyone else think Dave Chappell should quit while he's ahead? He'll never top the Rick James/Charlie Murphy True Hollywood Story.
-
Cameos up the wazoo (Tim Wilson, Jack Stiller, Ben Trejo, Danny Black, and Luke Robbins)
-
"Ferrel is pathetic. I still can
-
Guss is back, baby. Must mean that the good movies are coming out!
"2" 7/4/04 -
Checkity check it out.
http://www.dreamlogic.net under news section. These won't be up long. -
but it will still suck the balls off a cheetah....don't ask me what that means.
-
...used to play drums for an entirely kick-ass Chicago post-punk outfit called Trenchmouth. I had no idea he was on SNL until about a week ago. Bizarre.
-
I'm so glad to see that other people besides me hate Will Ferrel: the most overrated "comedian" ever. This ass chunk is not funny. He is a (to quote several others before me) "talentless HACK!" The people that like Ferrel are the same people who laugh like lunitics as they take a crap. "Ha ha ha. Crap is exiting my butthole. How funny is this? Oooo. I heard a splash. Ha ha ha." MORONS!!! The reason he is famous is not because he has real talent. It is because some moron thought he was funny so he put him on T.V. Then a whole lot of morons watched him on T.V. and thought he was funny. Now even more morons pay to see his movies which makes him a "movie star". I could make the same people who laugh at a Will Ferrel movie split their sides just as hard as he does by jangling my car keys in front of them for 90 miniutes. Hey, just because he's famous, doesn't mean that it's right. Hollywood is really pissing me off ruining certain movies that I WAS looking forward to by casting this dumbass in them. Anchorman was not one of them, but for instance, Jim Carrey was to play Darrin in Bewitched (a perfect casting choice), but Carrey dropped out so who did they get? WILL F-ING FERREL!! WHAT THE HELL?? I will now go no where within 10 miles of that movie once it is released! Thanks a lot, Will! One other thing. FrankBlackSucks, you have no credibility at ALL, and for a good reason. I've seen you post before and all you do is lurk around in the shadows until someone (rightfully) insults your lover, Will, at which time you leap frog to his rescue. You are pathetic. At least the other people who defend Will, enjoy his movies and have a valid reason to argue for him. You just love Will's manthing.
-
You would like some alternitives to Will Ferrel? How about the king of comedy Jim Carrey? Or Jack Black, Mike Meyers, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle (sometimes). You want physical comedy? Jackie Chan, while not widely seen as a comedian, delivers more and better physical comdey in one scene that Will Ferrel has done in his entire life! To continue, Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott, Will Smith, did I mention Jim Carrey? I'm sure there are some more that I can't think of right now. Give Brad Pitt more comedies to do, he was hilarious in "Snatch" as was Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Carribean." I think directors should try to tap some actors who are not heavily connected to comedy already and try them out in funny roles, like with Depp and Pitt. But please stop with Ferrel already. I'm not posting this just to be contriversal, the guy is just no damn good. I don't even crack a smile when he's on screen. All I can think about when I see him is how that should be anybody else since a guy watching paint dry is more entertaining than watching Will Ferrel do ANYTHING!! And no I am not a hater of "stupid" comedy. I do admit to enjoying SOME of Adam Sandler's movies and I think David Spade is hilarious (but not Dickie Roberts), it's just that Ferrel strikes me as completly unfunny. I enjoyed the song that Jack Black and Ferrel sang at the Oscars, but only while Jack was singing. Ferrel has no business even watching the Oscars on T.V. let along presenting one! What the hell were they thinking? Why didn't the bouncers knock his ass out when he tried to walk in the door? Jack and Ewen McGregor shoulda sung it or someone. Anyone but WILL FERREL! NO NO NO NO NOOOO!! Why didn't the academy just send me some pencils so I could poke my eyes out right then? Then I still would've had to listen to him. Anyway.
-
than see Will Ferrell in another movie. The only way this could be worst is if Kevin Smith directed it. GodDAMN, Will Ferrell is a no-talented hack!
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 325 total posts 322 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 106 total posts 106 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 63 total posts 60 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 74 total posts 58 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 159 total posts 51 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 47 total posts 41 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 161 total posts 34 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 488 total posts 33 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 121 total posts 23 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 70 total posts 20 posts