If there’s one thing we can count on from Will Ferrell, it’s completely committing to a role. Anchorman is really funny when it is only concerned with its own silliness, but like most comedies, once the plot or story arc kicks in, the laughs dissipate, even if the tone doesn’t particularly change. This usually arrives at the halfway point, right after the biggest laugh, which in this case is a scene on a bridge. With Office Space, it’s the gutting of the fish, or look at most low key, yet raucous comedies after the 45 minute mark, it’s usually there. I think they could have done more with David Koechner’s Champ character, but Ferrell’s ridiculous non-sequitors and Carrell’s wonderful idiocy (while a bit thin), more than made up for it. The commercials make it sort of evident, but Ron Burgundy is basically Ferrell’s Robert Goulet impression with even more self-delusion and pomposity. Which of course makes it even funnier.

Tags: 1970's, Adam Lippe, Adam McKay, Ben Stiller, Chris Parnell, Christina Applegate, Danny Trejo, David Koechner, deleted scenes, Fred Armisen, Fred Willard, Jack Black, Judd Apatow, Laura Kightlinger, Luke Wilson, Mike Judge, movie review, mustaches, non-sequitor, Office Space, Paul F. Tompkins, RegrettableSincerity.com, satire, Seth Rogen, Steve Carrell, story arc, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell

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