Ted

Growing up just outside of Boston John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) didn’t have many friends. And, on one particular Christmas day eve, when the conditions were just right to make a little boy’s wish come true, young John made a wish, a wish that his teddy bear could be his best friend. With that wish, and a little magic John awoke the next morning to discover his bear, Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), was in fact alive and able to talk. Best buddies forever, the two swore they would never part– even when initial fame of Ted’s miracle existence hit and wore off, the two managed to stay together. Now a grown man at the age of 35, John is looking to keep the love of his life, Lori (Mila Kunis). But, between his own self destructive behaviour and Ted’s influence, John is walking a delicate line. Can he pull himself together to save his relationship, and what about Ted, and what about the creepy Teddy bear-napper, Donny (Giovanni Ribisi)? Written and Directed by pop culture comedic skewer Seth MacFarlane, fans of Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show are in for a treat. The comedy comes fast, cheap, and easy (insert your own “mom” joke here) and doesn’t let up till the bitter end. Still, dancing on a razor’s edge, perhaps some humor, despite it’s satirical nature or otherwise might be a little much for some easy targets and minorities; getting past that, there’s still a lot of charm in a four mouthed bear with an attitude played straight to a fault. Also of note, unlike MacFarlane’s television work, Ted’s storytelling seems to plow through mercilessly and on target instead of the usual asides many fans are accustomed to. I laughed, was entertained by a bear, and am not ashamed to admit it. Worth your comedic dollar, Ted is rated R.