Yet another disappointing entry from the Will Ferrell comedy troupe

Rating: 3/10 (5 August 2005)

Say what you will...to me...the movie blew!! It was typical of what today's comedies have become. Will Ferrell is THEE most over-rated "star" in Hollywood, not to mention overused. He ruined Bewitched, and he acts the same and overacts the same in every single film. He constantly behaves like he is still doing a 3 minute skit on SNL and that doesn't cut it in my movie watching book. Fortunately for him, most people disagree whole heartedly and love him and this film. The group that I have come to refer to as "The Will Ferrell comedy Troup" even though Ferrell is not always there are full force in Anchorman with the usual appearances by Ben Stiller, and a Wilson brother (Luke in this case.) The worst part of Anchorman is the sheer lack of plot. A film, unlike a comedy skit, needs a plot and this film has none.
Anchorman is set in the seventies, or tries to be, and centers on infamous local Anchorman Ron Burgundy. Supposedly this takes place in a time when Newsmen ruled the cities, citizens respected them and idolized them. It was a time when men reigned supreme. Ron Burgundy thinks he's got life by the throat until his world is turned upside down by the introduction of a female newscaster Veronica Corningstone. The news team jokes about it, makes fun of her and hits on her constantly. Unaware that a woman can do their job they think the only reason for her to be there is for them to bed. They all have their go but only the suave and handsome Ron gets to her and they end up having an affair to which Ron can't keep quiet about. Veronica is furious because she wants to be taken seriously as anchor. While on his way to work Ron accidentally causes a motorcycle accident with a rather angry motorist (guest star Jack Black...one of the few highlights of the film) and the motorcyclist angrily kicks Ron's beloved pet dog over the side of the bridge. Devastated Ron is late for work and Veronica offers to cover for him and reluctantly station manager Ed Harken allows it and Veronica is a bonified hit with the ratings. When Ron discovers that Veronica did HIS news, he is furious and dumps her on the spot. This sparks a horrendous feud between the two of them, each trying to do something more horrible to the other until eventually Veronica pulls a prank that gets Ron fired. Ron sinks into a bout of depression until an event arises that could put him back on top and give him everything back he loves dearly.
Now I won't say there is nothing redeemable about Anchorman. There are some funny spots such as the massive battle between the news stations, where guest stars Vince Vaughn (who makes several appearances and is a regular member of the Ferrell comedy troupe), Tim Robbins (surprising appearance but brief nonetheless), and Ben Stiller. Some of the insults and banter between Ferrell and Christina Applegate who plays Corningstone is funny but overdone which can't be helped with Ferrell. The rest of the cast, the news team in particular all behave like they are part of an SNL skit and it doesn't work, not for the hour and a half of movie time. There is some very small redemption in the film but for me I would never, ever sit through it again. Ferrell is unbearable and I think he causes everyone around him to be unbearable too. The whole team that has recently popped up in numerous comedies with each other should split up and try something different this was disastrous. Worse than Starsky and Hutch!! Another comedy Troupe special. 3/10