“Ron Burgundy is San Diego’s top rated newsman in the male dominated broadcasting of the 1970’s, but that’s all about to change when a new female employee with ambition to burn arrives in his office.”
Directed by: Adam McKay Rated: R, 94mins
This post was originally written by Page. Find her @PageMarieH
“There was a time… a time before cable, when the anchorman reigned supreme.” For many people, Anchroman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy reigns supreme among Will Ferrell movies. Perhaps even among comedies in general. However, I found this movie to be inconsistent, too silly too often, and a bit overrated. That is not to say it isn’t funny – it definitely has its moments. And when it shines, it sparkles. I just don’t think there were enough of those moments and a few too many duller, leaden jokes that chipped away at the film’s luster.
Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is rated the number one anchorman in San Diego, and enjoying every minute of it. When his station brings on an ambitious female co-anchor, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) to the Channel 4 team, Ron’s news crew is furious. It makes for some hilarious, albeit unabashedly sexist, comedy coming from field reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), and sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner). Ron finds himself wildly attracted to Veronica, and everything goes smoothly until she finds and exploits his one weakness. The rest of the film ranges from hilarious antics in hopes of distracting Veronica and derailing her career, to an outrageous and goofy, mood-killing street battle between the Channel 4 crew and competing news anchors.
Just like West Side Story if West Side Story took place in California in the 70’s and everyone was high on ether.
Bad news first. So, I’m quite late on the scene here, having just watched this movie for the first time. I’ve heard all the jokes, the funny (sometimes puzzling when taken out of context) one-liners (“I’m in a glass case of emotion!”). I generally like Will Ferrell, and I expected this film to have me laughing from beginning to end. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The acting was generally good, especially Christina Applegate who caught me by surprise. But at times the humor feels too slapstick, too silly, and a bit overdone. Ferrell is no stranger to the role of the man-child, and while that role can deliver laughs in almost any setting, it falls flat too often in Anchorman. I found myself trudging through the silly/goofiness waiting, hoping for the next laugh. It even feels awkward at times; when jokes are delivered that barely elicit a smile. Sort of like an SNL skit where the actor pauses for audience laughter and all you hear are crickets. In fact, the whole film could easily be one long, overdone SNL skit. The characters are hilarious and the setting has a lot to offer. Then it teeters on the edge where silly-humor meets dumb-humor and the film wobbles there precariously, all the way to the extremely weak ending.
Now, the good news. For all its flaws, Anchorman is pretty funny. There are lots of moments that are absolutely hilarious. Quotable one-liners that are purely golden. The entire film makes fun of its 70’s setting, down to the musk cologne. I think part of the film’s charm is that each character’s exaggerated personality represents a tiny part of all of us. Veronica’s ambition, Ron’s love of attention, Champ’s alpha persona, and Brick’s… well, stupidity. And even though they are outrageous and goofy, they are, on some level, relatable. There is a reason so many people consider this film a comedy classic. I can’t say from experience, but it seems like one of those films that gets funnier every time you watch it. Even now, after dwelling on the negative aspects of the film, I find myself grinning at some of the better moments.
You’ll probably look like one of these guys at some point in the movie. Don’t fight it.
Anchorman has no shortage of comic cameos, including Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Judd Apatow, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Seth Rogan, and even the director, Adam McKay. With a better script and reworked ending, I think this film could have hit it out of the park. Still, it’s an enjoyable flick that is sure to put a goofy smile on your face and leave you with lots of quotes to amuse your friends and coworkers.
Overall: 6.0/10
Trailer:
The Cinematic Katzenjammer 
Yes, this movie does get funnier the more you talk about it. I know people that hate it, but then it only takes a few quotes to have them laughing. I love this movie… And Scotch.
Hahaha, you are exactly right. I didn’t hate it, but I was a bit disappointed. I definitely want to watch it again though, now that I know what I’m in for.