The Seth MacFarlane-written and -directed 2012 film TED just hit me in the comedy sweet spot when I saw it. Like an R-rated cartoon brought to life, this pairing of Mark Wahlberg and a foul-mouthed stuffed bear found a way to work that I still can’t quite explain. Part of it is Wahlberg (and the bear, I guess) playing against type, but there’s a heart to the story that cut through the crass and got audiences responding. So it probably came as a surprise to absolutely no one that TED 2 got made, and the trailers (which, of course, are always reliable) make this one look even funnier. Don’t even try to tell me jizz jokes aren’t funny. This time around, Wahlberg and MacFarlane’s Ted voice are joined by Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, and apparently Laim Neeson, who seems to be McFarlane’s regular partner in crime these days.
So here’s the thing: I’ve got a whole lot of seats for an early Chicago screening of TED 2 for Ain’t It Cool News readers and one guest on Monday, June 8 at 7:00pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win…
To win, send me an email at TedChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “Thunder Buddies!” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest--if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What inanimate object in your life would you like to start talking and be friends with you, and why?” I need a film title and a detailed reason for your choice. Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 75 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you won, so check your email over the weekend.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:45pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house. If you can't arrive by 6:45pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to the Universal Pictures for giving us this very cool screening to Chicago.
