A Hollywood rule is never allowing too much time between a film and its sequel. Two or three years seem to be the recent gap of choice for a follow-up to appear. Fans of the first Anchorman movie have had to wait nearly a decade for its second chapter. Finally surfacing after surviving Tinsletown’s infamous ‘Hollywood Hell’ scripting process, it is worth the patience. It adds new flavour to its tale of a group of idiotic TV broadcasters. Its characters are more than a perfect fit in this send-up of idiot box-enhanced celebrities.
Becoming legends in their own dreams during the 1970s, the Channel 4 news team face a new era. As the 1980s dawn they strive to find new horizons. Led by Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and assisted by Brick (Steve Carell), Brian (Paul Rudd) and Champ (David Koechner), the team accept a new challenge. When asked to join a fledging 24-hour news channel, their ambitions and egos become inflated. If the ‘70s was their nirvana, the greedy ‘80s become their playground as they battle for news supremacy.
Anchorman 2 is a ridiculously silly romp sure to please Will Ferrell fans. Whilst he has his detractors, he clearly enjoys returning to one of his famous roles. Although prone to self-indulgence and never knowing when to stop a joke, Anchorman 2 makes much of his talents. It’s still a team effort with his co-stars matching him for stylised wit. This elevates it from others as it mostly avoids easy crudity by providing genuine satire.
This humorous edge is effectively maintained by Adam McKay’s direction. Occasionally it goes completely overboard although these unexpected moments prevent Anchorman 2 from becoming boring. These very politically-incorrect characters are ones seen in some walks of life with each having their own distinct personalities. How they gleefully skewer celebrity culture and dumb down the news is disturbingly similar to what constitutes journalism in today’s world.
Not to be taken seriously, Anchorman 2 is outrageous nonsense. The quota of laughs is high for which any comedy aims. A third entry wouldn’t be unwelcome although hopefully it won’t take quite as long to appear as did this very absurd sequel.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 7
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