Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 Content: -4

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Christian Applegate, Steve Carell. Comedy.

FILM SYNOPSIS: With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy finds himself fired. But just after hitting the skids, he and his crew are hired to participate in a new arena – the first 24-hour news network.

PREVIEW REVIEW: In his day, there were people who loved Jerry Lewis for his buffoonish clown behavior, I among them. Others, not so much. Jerry had great timing and certainly his work with MDA contributed to my affection for him. Well, I’m finding that moviegoers today are equally divided over Will Ferrell. His buffoonish behavior is often laced with a nasty sarcasm that appeals to some, but gets tiring for others (I among them).

In Elf, Mr. Ferrell successfully portrayed a character full of joy. In subsequent roles, however, his instinct for the outlandish always includes a mean spirit and an insight that would suggest the performer sleeps in a padded cell.

My resentment for the comedian stems from my old complaint – actors who profane God’s name in the name of entertainment. You’d think the harsh term “God d---” would not find a place in silly comedies meant to raise our spirits. But the profane term means so little to most moviemakers and, I guess, most moviegoers that it now has a safe haven in this genre as well as gangster movies and war films.

I must confess to laughing – hard – at two or three scenes, mostly thanks to Steve Carell’s supporting character, Brick Tamland. The film’s premise is an amusing concept (spoofing newscasters and TV news networks), and it keeps us glued to the screen in anticipation of the next big name to make a cameo. But the witty moments are interspersed with far too many moments of tedium.

Intended Audience: People who fail to find humor in The Mouse that Roared, Dr. Strangelove or The Nutty Professor.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Paramount