Plot: What’s it about?
With my “reviewing duties” for this site as well as the general maintenance, upkeep and improvements – it doesn’t allow for a whole lot of time for me to watch regular television series. Yeah, I know – boo hoo. But I will say that one I watch, over and over, is Family Guy. As a long time fan of The Simpson’s, it took me a bit to warm up the more crude, blue-collar family based in Quahog, Rhode Island. But, I will say, that once I did, I probably do actually get more enjoyment out of it than our yellow-skinned friends. I’m mentioning this, of course, because creator Seth MacFarlane is the man who created said show and a few others as well. It’s estimated that the Family Guy franchise is worth a couple of billion dollars. Not bad. In recent years MacFarlane has taken to the big screen with this film’s predecessor in 2012 and the poorly-reviewed (though I loved it) A Million Ways to Die in the West. Oh MacFarlane has also hosted the Oscars. Again – not bad. Ted showed that even a foul-mouthed bear can rake in the cash. And it did – to the tune of $220 million at the domestic box office. At the risk of repeating myself – not bad. Hollywood is all about sequels, so I’ll quit my babbling and get into Ted 2.
Life didn’t exactly work out the way John (Mark Wahlberg) thought it would. His relationship is now over and done and it’s Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) who’s getting ready to tie the knot. He, along with Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) hope to have a long and beautiful life together. But things aren’t exactly wine and roses a year after as finances have driven the two to the brink of divorce. Thinking a child is the answer, the couple try a few different (and interesting) methods to procure a child, but none of them successful. Ted’s request to adopt has raised some eyebrows and it’s deemed that he’s not a person, but rather “property.” This doesn’t sit well with Ted and John, so their high-priced lawyer assigns his niece, Samantha (Amanda Seyfried) to the case. Their goal is simple: prove Ted is more than just a teddy bear, but a person with feelings and independent thought. In a subplot, we once again meet Donny (Giovanni Ribisi) who has a scheme to mass produce Ted’s so that he and all can enjoy. Hijinks ensue, a LOT of pot it smoked and I have to say that I laughed my ass off.
Macfarlane and his movies/television shows are very polarizing in that you’ll either love them or hate them. I think it’s clear that I’m the former. Fans of the first film will get what they bargained for in this one. I personally found the first a bit more entertaining, but this one isn’t without its share of laughs. I think it goes without saying that most who will view this film are also fans of Family Guy, so there are some similarities here as well (even a cutaway scene). McFarlane’s crew is all here as well, Patrick Warburton reprises his role with a guest star whose name I’ll leave out (let it be said that Seth is a big fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation). And yes, if you were wondering, Sam Jones does reprise his role as, well, himself. There’s also an unexpected mid 80’s talking car that we get to see as well. Anyway, spoilers aside, Ted 2 is everything you’d expect it to be and while not the financial powerhouse its predecessor was, it wouldn’t surprise me to see another installment.
P.S. – I now look at a Google search in a totally different way!
Video: How’s it look?
When watching a movie featuring a CGI teddy bear, I suppose it’s not absolutely necessary for a movie to look crystal clear. Oh, who am I kidding! Universal’s presentation of Ted 2 is just as we’d expect – near perfect. We get plenty of scenic shots of Boston and the animation used for Ted is second to none. He’s seamlessly integrated into the film just as he was in the first installment. Colors are warm and natural, textures (particularly those on Ted’s “fur”) are extremely lifelike and I was hard-pressed to find any sort of error. Overall detail is amazing, blacks are constant and deep. It’s a very light and colorful film that’s sure to please anyone (in the visual sense).
Audio: How’s it sound?
The included DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack actually surprised me. By and large, comedies aren’t really ones that will shake the room, but there are a few scenes in the film that took me off guard. There’s also a sequence that parodies Jurassic Park which really does the trick. Surrounds are actually used quite often, the front stage is strong and powerful with LFE even getting a few chances to flex their muscle. Simply put, it’s a very satisfying mix.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The discs also contain the Unrated and Theatrical cuts of the film. I didn’t watch the theatrical cut, bur rather the Unrated version which runs about 11 minutes longer.
DVD Extras
- Thunder Buddies 4 Lyfe – A montage of scenes with John and Ted as well as an overall look at the two’s on-screen chemistry. Samantha’s character is profiled as well.
- Roadtripping – Essentially a look at the road trip sequence and how it was filmed.
- Creating Comic-Con – The New York City Comic-Con was a major segment of the film and in the included four (very brief) featurettes, we see how it all came together.
- The Exhibitors
The Costumes
The Stunts
The Showdown
Blu-ray Exclusives
- Audio Commentary – Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild and Jessica Barth combined for a very lively group commentary. If a few of those names look familiar, they should as they’re producers on . Still, the absence of Mark Wahlberg and Amanda Seyfried was kind of a bummer. Still, the commentary is insightful and informative and it seems that a few “adult beverages” were served as they get a bit rowdy towards the end. Then again, consider who they are!
- A Giant Opening Dance Number – Pretty much just that – a look at the opening sequence, the choreography and the like.
- Deleted Scenes – Seven total, though none really offer a lot of input into the film.
- Gag Reel – Shenanigans on the set.
- Cameo Buddies – I spoiled a few of the guest stars who make a cameo, but won’t spoil the rest. Suffice it to say, they’re all included here.
The Bottom Line
Ok folks, you know who you are. This isn’t something to show the kiddies. Ted 2 is all about fun, crude and foul-mouthed humor with a sufficient amount of drug/alcohol use thrown in for…well, no apparent reason. And I’m ok with that. The Blu-ray offers up exceptional audio and video quality along with a bevy of supplements that more than warrants a purchase. What the hell are you waiting for?
