Ted: Toy Story for the Hangover generation....

I promised myself that this wouldn't turn into just another film review blog. However, I was lucky enough to get a free preview ticket to Ted - a new comedy starring Mark Wahlberg & Mila Kunis, and produced by Seth MacFarlane who is the brains behind Family Guy - so I thought i'd share my review anyway...

I'll admit, I went into this with fairly low expectations. For those of you who haven't heard of the film, it's based around the story of a boy (John Bennett) who makes a wish to have his teddy bear (Ted) come to life. When the wish is granted, they become best friends, and grow up together. The film picks up the story when both John and Ted are in their late 30's, living out life as stoners & deadbeats. Despite the fairly standard plot-line (failing relationship, 'comedy' best friend, odd cameos), this film really blew me away. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much in the cinema - some of the one-liners had me crying with laughter. I won't give away too much, but there's one specific fight scene that is possibly the funniest thing i've seen in a film for years.

The cast are all excellent - MacFarlane gives a great vocal performance as the titular Ted, whilst Mark Wahlberg and Giovanni Ribisi are both outstanding. However, top billing should be given to the amazing Mila Kunis. Now, I absolutely adore her anyway, but Kunis was at her best in this, playing the overlooked girlfriend who is being sidelined for a foul-mouthed teddy. She plays it perfectly, bringing the right amount of cuteness / emotion throughout.

It's hard to find anything negative about this movie - if I analysed it enough, I suppose there's a chance that some of the references (Susan Boyle, Jack & Jill, yes, even Peter Griffin) might date the film very quickly, but this can be easily overlooked by the sheer number of laugh-out-loud moments. Respected critic Mark Kermode says that a comedy should make you laugh at least six times, else it has failed. Using this formula, Ted has enough laughter for at least 5 films, if not more.

Despite my love of the 'classic' films, comedies are my real guilty pleasure. If i'm in the right mood, there's nothing better than watching movies like The Hangover, Jay & Silent Bob, I Love You Man etc. After tonight's viewing, Ted will be a staple of my late-night movie watching for years to come....