Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

                Let me say right now that I love the movie “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” It’s one of those films that I can watch over and over again, and still laugh just as much as I did the first time, if not more. In the news world during the 70’s, San Diego’s Ron Burgundy is top of the class, along with his team: Brian Fantana, Champ Kind, and Brick Tamland. However, when a new anchor, Veronica Corningstone, comes into the station, Ron starts to have the hots for her, but then it becomes more about competing with her the more she becomes big in the business. This film managed to be the true kickstart careers for many of these actors. While they did manage to have big success before hand, it was this film that put it to the silver screen at its finest. Will Ferrell made the big jump from SNL to movie star status, much more than any of his previous films have in the past, and this film managed to be his signature charmer. Other actors in the film also got their big recognition because of this film, and even Christina Applegate as Veronica showed improvement as an actress, showing she can actually play an intelligent woman after working on “Married with Children.”

                When the thought of a sequel started to rumor around, it wasn’t until 2011 when Ferrell as Ron appeared on Conan O’Brian that it was officially announced. Since then we’ve seen teasers, the actors appearing on actual news in character, and the release date being at the end of this year. And let me say…it was DEFINITELY worth the wait!

                In “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” Ron and his team set out for New York City, in an attempt for Ron to beat Veronica in the ratings, only this time it’s different stations against each other. However, Ron starts off from the bottom, and it’s only through making rebellious changes that lead him to success but also much more. Throughout this film, it does what the first film did by adding in many, many moments that are incredibly funny, and there’s never a dull moment that I can remember. This is another film that really had nothing about it that was bad, as everything was done exactly right.

                Will Ferrell really brings his a-game once again, adding more to Ron’s egotistic personality, delivering lines that are just as quotable as they were before. His chemistry with Applegate is just as excellent as before, and it makes it all the more funny with their new son, Walter. While this kid has some awkward acting moments, it fits the tone of the film just right, so I give him props. A subplot in the film that’s really funny is with Brick, played by Steve Carrell, and him finding love with GNN worker Chauncey, played by Kristen Wiig. Just the way that these two worked off each other is absolute gold, and every time they were on-screen together, I could hardly keep myself from laughing at every word. I have to say, Kristen Wiig has been really impressing my lately, being in films that I’ve liked her greatly in. Maybe leaving SNL was a good decision for her after all. James Marsden was another one who did fantastic in the film, playing the big shot from Chicago, Jack Lime. It’s kind of expected of him, since he looks like he could be a news caster, and his charismatic attitude makes it all the more funny when it gets to the ending.

                When it gets to the third-quarter of the film, it takes a really weird turn into another turning point. I didn’t really know how to get it, but after seeing the film a second time, it actually felt natural to the film. And let me just say, they do the fight scene from the first film…only difference, is it’s ten times funnier. They throw everything at you, in directions you couldn’t possibly guess; and the cameos they give us are absolutely insane. I don't want to spoil whose in it (like it's going to stop you looking them up on wikipedia), but trust me when I say they deliver solidly.

                Overall, “Anchorman 2” is one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a while, as well as one of my favorite films of the year. Tune in next time, and you’ll see where it ranks my best of the year list.

Rating: 10/10