KPMG SPONSORED EVENT: Anchorman

With its penchant for extreme silliness and hilarious caricature of 1970s America, Anchorman has acquired a cult following as one of the most quotable films of all time, with arguably one of Will Ferrell’s finest comedic performances as outlandish anchorman Ron Burgundy.

For Burgundy, things are going well as leader of San Diego’s most successful news team, consisting of smooth reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), meat headed sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner) and “mentally retarded” meteorologist Brick Tamland (Steve Carell). However, when the ambitious Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) make waves in the studio by rising to the prestigious role of co-Anchor, Burgundy becomes her bitter rival in a series of brilliantly funny newsroom clashes.

The film is naturally ridiculous, but it manages to pull off ridiculous very well, with scenes such as a gladiator-style death match between the news teams of San Diego, and Jack Black kicking a dog off a bridge. But just like Airplane and Monty Python, Anchorman is universally stupid to the point that it is universally entertaining, and the perfect antidote to work-caused depression. If you have yet to witness the first of these ludicrously funny films, don’t hesitate. Stay classy, Warwick.

Joe Baker

San Diego, the 1970s. Channel 4 News anchorman Ron Burgundy's (Ferrell) homely reporting, bushy moustache, and eponymous blazer have won the hearts of the city, securing his trusty team (Rudd, Carell, David Koechner) with the highest ratings in town, much to the disgruntlement of rival reporters (Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson). But nemesis newsmen turn out to be the least of Ron's problems when his station adds a lady (Applegate) to the line-up. Ron is thrown into disarray, unsure whether to romance the new recruit or sully her efforts with chauvinistic chides. One thing is for sure: she has disturbed the team dynamic and compromised the integrity of Ron�s reporting, which is bad news indeed�

Considered a cult classic of contemporary comedy, the film is a broadcast of quotable dialogue and witty slapstick ranging from �Sex Panther� cologne to an impromptu jazz flute solo. The laughs are thick and fast, and the plot a lampoon of nostalgia that is the ideal vehicle for Ferrell�s deadpan delivery. Starring some of the biggest jokers of recent years, and featuring cameos from their Hollywood chums such as Jack Black and Seth Rogen, there�s a wealth of caricature characters on show. Tune in, and stay classy!

Owen Rye