Hilarious for some

Rating: 8/10 (12 March 2006)

I had an absolute blast at this movie.
However, after reading some other comments I am unsurprised that a minority of other viewers thought this was absolute drivel. The central premise, that a couple of toxically insincere and cynical guys can win over hordes of children, old folks, and beautiful women, is inherently offensive to some. If you can get over that and enjoy them for their candid banter and deep friendship with each other, enjoying the rest of the movie is a piece of cake.
Vaughn absolutely makes this movie hilarious while Wilson grounds it. The balance between them makes this a more Wilder-esquire comedy rather than the zanier Frat Pack offerings such as Zoolander and Anchorman. Granted a lot of outrageous stuff happens but the characters themselves are less cartoonish than in many other guy-oriented comedies. For me, that makes this film a better and more lasting opus.
The "surprise appearance" near the end of the film was funnier in theory than in practice, but I want to commend the actor who played the Evil Boyfriend of Rachel McAdams for his ultra-intense characterization. He may not have had much in the way of funny lines but he has just as much watchability factor as Vaughn and outclasses Wilson. Keep an eye out for him in the future.
With the exception of a dragged-out, overly serious denouement, this movie is TIGHT. As an example of true friendship I can think of few that can best it.