In Anchorman, Will Ferrell plays Ron Burgundy, the top rated news anchorman in San Diego in the 1970s. Along with his posse of admiring co-workers Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), Brick Tamland (Steve Carell) and Champ Kind (David Koechner) they rule the newsroom, that is until Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) arrives.

Dressed in an awesome 70s suits, being obnoxiously chauvinistic and portraying a complete moron, Ferrel shines in this role, and the whole cast is praiseworthy. The 1970s is an excellent setting to Ferrell’s corny and childish humour and the film’s exploitation of the 70s film aesthetic is actually done very well.

Largely nonsensical, the “plot” of Anchorman moves from one bizarre scenario to another, but narrative cohesion doesn’t seem like it was a high priority, this looks like a film that the cast had a lot of fun making. Highlights include the spontaneous ‘afternoon delight’ riff and the battle scene between competing network anchors.

This is one of those films where almost every line has made it into the everyday vocabulary of its fans. Among the lines I often hear quoted, “I love lamp” is probably the most popular. Not surprising, as Steve Carrell plays the absurd Brick to dim-witted perfection, and is one of the funnier elements of the film.

Anchorman is a well made, laugh out loud, ridiculous comedy with absolutely no hidden depth.
It is completely idiotic.
It is one of my favourite comedies from the last few years.

3.5/5

Posted December 11th, 2007 under Movie Reviews.
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