Great Movie, Very Funny

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2014)

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Review
Jokes told by newscasters and weather people are seldom funny or even slightly amusing. These jokes lack event the slightest sense of humor and often come off as dry and uninspired. One newscaster who has the necessary wit, charisma, and charm is Ron Burgundy and his band of misfit reporters who are characters in the 2004 comedic film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. The film is directed by frequent Will Ferrell collaborator Adam McKay and stars Will Ferrell as the title character. The film also includes the comedic talent of Steve Kerrell, as loose cannon, mentally challenged weather reporter Brick Tamland. Other actors who comprise Burgundy's gang of misfit news reporters are Paul Rudd as field reporter Brian Fantana, David Koechner as the sports reporter, and Christina Applegate as Burgundy's love interest, antagonist, and co-anchor: Veronica Corningstone. This film is very humorous as it parodies many aspects of news culture such as yellow journalism, signature ad-libs, competition between news channels, and the changes in the status of women in fields once dominated by of those of the male gender. Ron Burgundy's overall demeanor and attitude make him and his colleagues overall dislikable characters but there is something charming about them that make the viewer attracted to them. In my opinion, it is their overall stupidity and ignorance that attracts the viewer to like them. A time in which the overall ignorance of Ron Burgundy lies in one of the numerous quotables that are found in the movie where Ron says that San Diego was founded by Germans in 1904 and provides a mistranslation that is inappropriate for everyday conversation. This portion of the movie shows Ron's ignorance in that he does not even know the basics of his country nor does he seek out this information. Most of the comedy contained In Anchorman relies on the general portions of the movie surrounds the competing newscasters of various networks and times in an all out battle royale where humor and fun ensues. Despite the many strong and humorous portions of the film, the plot is a little underdeveloped and can sometimes seem more like a stand-up routine or comedy sketch than an actual full-length movie. However, it is my belief that those who enjoy the work of Will Ferrell are not looking for developed characters or a strong plot to string the movie together into a masterpiece. The movie does not target the more "stuffy" movie goers, but attracts a young male demographic that will enjoy the various innuendo and male humor that Ferrell and his cast mates provide. Those in the female demographic may be a little insulted by some of the jokes and stereotypes against women that are present in the film, but those with a strong sense of humor and an open mind will thoroughly enjoy the comedy present in the film. Overall, Anchorman takes a humorous look into the news world and if one looks into it enough some social commentary about the news can be found as well.