Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Companies: Apatow Productions & Gary Sanchez Productions
Director: Adam McKay
Producers: Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell & Adam McKay
Scriptwriters: Will Ferrell & Adam McKay
Main Cast: Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Christina Applegate, Dylan Baker, Meagan Good, James Marsden, Fred Willard & Kristen Wiig
Released: 18th December 2013
Running Time: 119 Minutes
Certificate: 15
After getting myself obsessed with Steve Carrell again, I found myself watching some of his movie offerings. One of which that stands out to me is Anchorman 2: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Mckay, 2013). With Will Ferrell starring amongst other famous comedic actors such as the aforementioned Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd. Since I reviewed Evan Almighty (Shadyac, 2007) last time, I found myself wanting to watch Carrell play alongside some other actors instead of animals.
Synopsis
We are reintroduced to Ron (Will Ferrell) as he and his wife are up for a promotion at work. However, the boss wishes only to promote Veronica (Christina Applegate). An upset Ron then disgraces himself and storms out of the couple’s household. We see him 6 months later as a lonely washed-up man, working at a sea park. It is here a representative for GNN finds Ron at his lowest and explains how he has an offer for the once great anchorman. Be a part of a revolutionary new broadcast station, featuring news 24/7. Ron agrees after he eyes up the check. He however has a condition; he picks his team. We are then greeted to the rest of the old group from the prequel and are enlightened to what they have been up to in between movies. The group travel to San Diego only to be revealed as the graveyard shift.
The Bet
Ron quickly puts his foot in his mouth verbally in front of the networks top anchor, Jack Lime. He and Ron propose a bet, the one with the worst ratings will have to leave news, FOREVER! Luckily for Ron he and his team luckily manage to stumble upon things that would become staple contributions to American news stations. Focusing on police chases, sports highlights and more, rather than subjective news. The group are riding high on their newly found fame and success. Unfortunately, however during a party Ron suffers an ice-skating accident and ends up blind. During this time Ron retreats to a lighthouse and seems to have a bigger focus on family. Spending time with both Walter and Veronica. Which ultimately leads in her hiding the possibility of his sight returning.
The Lie
Veronica ultimately gets outed when Ron stumbles upon a message left by his doctor, informing him of the operation that could rectify his sight. The couple argue, ending with Veronica and Walter leaving. Ron gets his vision restored and returns to GNN. Some time passes when Veronica informs Ron of Walters piano recital. Unfortunately, an exclusive news story breaks at the same time which requires Ron to cover it. He however chooses family and runs off to Walter’s recital. Suddenly, in transit Ron is stopped by a rival news crew. Soon it’s a mix match of cameos of famous actors and actresses as more and more news crews appear to join in on a news team battle royal. Which the GNN group ultimately wins allowing Ron to make the Walter’s recital just in time. Veronica and Ron reconnect, and the film ends with the two getting married.
Tone
The film is a slapstick, don’t take it too seriously, comedy film. The is apparent sexism that resembles the time and the industry the film is set in. However during a rewatch in 2022 you can’t help but blatantly see that some aspects of the film fail to stand up. It is however a fun buddy comedy film. With the GNN group consisting of famous comedic actors such as: Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner. The groups comedic qualities shine through in the sequel with each cast member given more screen time and opportunity to flap their comedic wings. The subplot regarding Brick (Steve Carrell) and his potential love interest (Kristen Wiig) is hilarious. The two reacting to mundane objects with such wonder and innocence brings a sense of warmth to the otherwise comedic film.
Cameos
The standout scene of the film is ultimately the climactic battle royal consisting of the various news teams. Various famous actors and actresses’ cameo in this scene including but not limited to: Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Liam Neeson, and Amy Poehler. With Vince Vaughn and the rest of rival San Diego news team from the prequel appearing to help Burgundy and the GNN group. Shockingly, Vaughn’s character is the one to ultimately secure Ron’s safe passage to the recital. I won’t go into too much detail about the scene as to not spoil it. The scene alone is surely worth justifying watching Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.
Dobby!
One of the recurring themes I love about Anchorman 2 is the sub plot of Dobby the shark. During Ron’s brief stint as being blind, he lives at a lighthouse. Here he and his son, Walter, encounter a shark in the shallows of the sea. Ron goes out and saves the shark, seemingly bonding with the creature. However, when Dobby returns during Veronica’s and Ron’s wedding ceremony, Ron runs out to the shark only to be met with lifeless eyes as it starts attacking Ron! Luckily man’s best friend Baxter is close by and rushes to Ron’s rescue saving his life.
Summary
To summarize Anchorman 2 is a fun daft comedy which doesn’t shy away from problems of the industry or time it features. It could however have handled the sexism a bit more maturely, preferring to include it in the way of poorly executed and written jokes. However despite this apparent flaw in writing the film does hold up in other areas. Usually showing a well-written, well-performed scene, packed with the charisma between the GNN news team.
Anchorman is available to watch on demand on Sky Go and for buy & rent on Amazon Prime.
