Not bad for a "G" rated film, Will "Feral" makes it work!

Rating: 8/10 (10 December 2003)

I had to be talked into seeing this, but in the end it was a very worthwhile experience. It has probably been well over 10 years since I saw a "G" rated film that wasn't animated. I won't risk putting in any spoilers, but let's just say that there were a number of scenes that made me wonder how this film achieved a "G" certificate. This was a surprisingly sophisticated film, and I'm sure it will surprise no-one to learn that Will Ferrell carries the whole thing. The important thing is that he carries it extremely well. Its a standard "fish out of water" comedy, but well executed. Ferrell's intensity strikes a nice balance between mania and insanity, although he occasionally crosses the line as when he hissed at a department store "Santa" that he "sat on a throne of lies".
The supporting cast did well, doing as they should: stand aside and let Ferrell do his thing. Nevertheless, there was some nice performances there too. James Caan, playing Buddy's biological father, showed a lot of skill as the Straight Man. He got one of the biggest laughs of the film when he was all by himself, opening a present from Buddy.
Andy Richter and Kyle Gass made some brief, but hilarious, appearances.