Movie Review - Ted 2

Ted 2 **** (out of 5) (R) I rarely report that a sequel matches, much less outpaces, the first, so it’s a pleasure to do so for Seth MacFarlane’s hilarious return engagement for the South Boston slacker/stoner duo of Mark Wahlberg and his sentient childhood toy bear. In the first film, we learned that the wish from a lonely child for a Pinocchio-style event was granted, giving him a real friend. Fame for Ted was followed by obscurity, and then by threats to his survival from creepy, envious Donny (Giovanni Ribisi), who returns for this one.

This one goes more topical and political, with Ted’s marriage being annulled for lack of “personhood”, setting off a civil rights backdrop for all the usual MacFarlane broadsides and zingers at celebrities, pop culture and current events. No one is safe, including co-star Amanda Seyfried, or his target audience - those who will get all his references. Appearances from Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Tom Brady, among others, add greatly to the fun. Many jokes trend to the left; even more lean farther to the gross side than their creator can provide in his TV ‘toons. Again, it’s what you expect from MacFarlane, but well done. One scene not only features some amazingly current one-liners, but was shot so the jokes could easily be updated during a long theatrical run, or for DVD release.

MacFarlane’s fans should be delighted. Those with more refined tastes should skip it. Most importantly, don’t think the adorably cuddly teddy you see in the ads and trailers means this flick is for the kiddies. That R rating ain’t just window dressing. (6/26/15)