With an in-character pre-release media blitz that rivals anything Sacha Baron Cohen has done, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues arrives in time for our countries’ holiday movie extravaganza, Boxing Day. The first Anchorman film was very much a one trick pony and this sequel departs from that approach with very mixed results.
The character of Ron Burgundy played with consummate cluelessness by Will Ferrell relies heavily on the audience’s approval of said actor. In the first film this worked out into a successful formula, but one that was more humorous in remembrance than in first viewing. In the second they ramp up the crazy (a lot) to make up for this shortfall and miss the target.
As cringe comedy, it is filled with moments of nervous laughter but the new set pieces fall flat and Ferrell try as he might can not prop up what is basically a weak script. There are some interesting cameos and the last reel, which features a battle royal amongst different news teams is the film’s most successful comic bit.
Having watched part one again in the lead up to seeing The Legend Continues, the familiarity of the routines actually helped in the enjoyment of the franchise. So when Anchorman 3 rolls around, it will be interesting to see if the same hold true for this edition.
Rob Hudson
www.anchormanmovie.com.au
