As a fan of both Wahlberg and Ferrell, I saw potential (good and bad) in this odd pairing. So, despite less than pleasant reviews from fellow film lovers, I went out of my way to screen this movie. That's not entirely true. I missed the press screening, then I missed the theatric release, then even though I made note of it at the local second-run theatre, I missed it there, too. Apparently, nonetheless, I was destined to watch it, because thousands of feet above the USA one evening, a JetBlue crew decided to compensate us for a slightly-tardy departure by making this film free. So, kindly consider the reduced screening dimensions, and the fact that I was a captive audience as you peruse this review. (That said, I did have 38 other satellite channels to switch to, but didn't.)
I enjoyed the film. Unlike many other comedy products, this picture took considerable risks in the humor department. The pairing of these leads was a risk. Ferrell, for the most part, is restrained from his silly, clowning humor and dares to be funny by being very serious. Wahlberg has the daunting job of bringing his stereotypical TV cop character so over the top that audiences will appreciate the joke. Because Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Robert Blake, (even Wahlberg himself) have taken this role beyond that edge with a straight face, the risk is that audiences won't catch the spoof. In sum, plenty of risks, some silly, some smart, some big some small, don't fly. But many many do fly, enough to make the film fun overall. I more often laughed, than winced.
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Lastly, surprisingly, this comedic script has a smart-pointed backbone. The filmmakers take one last risk in leaving the production (as the credits roll) with some serious food for thought on economics American-style. Strong B+.
-- Books by Ross Anthony, Author/Illustrator --
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