Ted

Seth Macfarlane is a pretty divisive figure in the realm of mainstream comedy, however, Macfarlane’s feature debut Ted thankfully returns some credit back to the filmmaker’s floundering brand, with the picture using its wicked premise and excellent cast to deliver an anarchic, rude but most importantly fun time at the flicks.

The film opens to find John, a lonely kid, making a wish on Christmas day. He expresses a desire for his teddy-bear to come alive, and the next morning his fluffy companion is sentient. Flash forward and John (Mark Wahlberg) is a 30-something male who still has the bear (voiced fantastically by Macfarlane), as his best friend. Together they smoke weed, goof off with a bevy of DVDs and generally act like wastrels. John’s tolerant and ridiculously fragrant girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) eventually issues an ultimatum to her man – it’s her or the bear. As a result Ted moves out, but even at a distance the rascally plush toy still stunts John’s need to grow up.

MacFarlane’s screenplay and direction are solid, meshing his love of the absurd and raunchy with a softer more adult side quite successfully. Ted is a surprisingly sweet picture, as meaningful and romantic as a film featuring a swearing teddy and multiple fart gags can be. The unsung hero of the picture is Wahlberg who gives an assured and crucially sympathetic turn, finding comfortable footing and chemistry with his CGI chum. The Boston born actor and former rapper also proves that his previous comedic successes were no fluke; he’s both a gifted thespian and a remarkably funny dude. MacFarlane’s voicing of the title character also deserves props; it’s energetic and oddly likable, quite a feat given the despicable things the seamlessly animated creation has to utter.

Given the novelty of its concept and the moderately successful execution, it’s no surprise Ted was one of last summer’s biggest hits.

Daniel Kelly