Over the Top Cops
The Other Guys
Review by Ross Anthony

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. < /p>

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 --


  • The Other Guys. Copyright © 2010.
  • Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Directed by Adam McKay. Columbia Pictures.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Jan-2011 11:00:33 PST