Funny! Satirizing the 'news models' but appreciating the poor dim-wits nonetheless!

Rating: 9/10 (13 September 2004)

Nice blend of slapstick, subtlety, and wit--- very funny and humorous movie! Moreover, it also has 'heart,' and a genuine story (romance? drama?). Will Ferrell's characters in other movies, such as the magnificent and under-appreciated 'Dick,' (1999-ish) and the solid 'Zoolander,' (2001)have always been unpleasant dorks. His characters have always been the darker, villainous types, always odious. 'Anchorman,' however, avoids the easy path of making his character simply a prat, simply an a**hole. The character is, actually, dim-witted and naive, rather than malevolent or mean. One gets the impression that he just doesn't know any better, that he wouldn't be all that bad of a person to know, even when he does do the arrogant and narcissistic things (typical of many, one assumes, who lust after careers as 'news models').
The supporting cast, especially Christina Applegate, are wonderful! Overall, a funny movie with a bit more depth and meaning than might have been in a satire. Well worth seeing!