Dumb, but very funny

Rating: 7/10 (1 April 2011)

I was not expecting it to work, especially after seeing the dreadful The Other Guys recently which to my understanding also had director Adam McKay and star Will Ferrell together. But somehow it did. Although it is very dumb in places, some of the plot with its episodic feel has the feeling of an overlong comedy sketch even with its interesting observations about the workplace and battle-of-the-sexes and there is the odd puerile joke that doesn't work. However, the film is quite short, moves quickly and the hit jokes more than make up for the misses, the best of them being the moment when Burgundy slips the announcer a fistful of cash to introduce his co-host as "Tits McGee". The film looks good too, with the photography and editing crisp and make-up, sets and costumes top-notch, and the script is very funny and smart. McKay's direction is good, and the enthusiastic playing of the cast gives the film an extra list. Will Ferrell, who I don't care for usually, gives one of his funnier and better performances, Steve Carell comes very close to stealing the movie in a zany turn and Christina Applegate is on sparkling form. I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of Tim Robbins and Ben Stiller, and also of Danny Trejo. All in all, a dumb movie but also a very funny one. 7/10 Bethany Cox