Day Thirty-Four: Anchorman

ANCHORMAN : The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Starring:
-Will Ferrell
-Christina Applegate
-Paul Rudd
-Steve Carell

Directed by: Adam McKay

Screenplay Credits: Will Ferrell & Adam McKay

MPAA Rating: PG-13 – for sexual humor, language, and comic violence


The tone of this movie is set rather nicely by a frame that reads, “The following is based on actual events. Only the names, locations and events have been changed.”

What a beautiful sentiment.

The first time I saw this movie I thought, ‘Eh, what’s the big deal?’ With this viewing I thought, ‘Gosh I love that ‘Afternoon Delight’ part, but other than that, eh, what’s the big deal?’

Yes, there are some very funny lines. And yeah, I do like to throw my head back and exclaim, “Take me to pleasure town!” I also love 70s music and making fun of television personalities. So maybe I haven’t given this film a fair shake.

“Mmm. I look good. I mean really good. Hey, everyone! Come and see how good I look!” – Ron

Ron and his buddies Brick, Brian, and Champ are idiot chauvinists whose world is rocked by an extremely well lit Christina Applegate. Applegate plays Veronica, a serious journalist who dreams of becoming the first anchorwoman. Ron meets Veronica at a party and tries unsuccessfully to seduce her.

“I’m very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of mahogany.” – Ron

Ron returns home to his apartment to cuddle with his precious dog Baxter (they have matching pajamas). The next day, Ron and company run into station KQHS’ rival news team where an all out insult war breaks out.

“I will take your mother out for a nice seafood dinner, and NEVER call her again!” – Champ

Back at the station, Veronica’s pissed because she’s stuck covering all the girly stories and dealing with extremely offensive come-ons from the guys.

“What do you say we go out on a date? Have some chicken…maybe some sex. See what happens.” – Champ

“I would like to extend to you an invitation to the pants party.” - Brick

The rest of the movie is fairly predictable. Ferrell plays the jazz flute and takes Applegate to Pleasure Town (well done, sir). He hurls a burrito at Jack Black’s head and Baxter gets dropkicked off a bridge. Brick loves carpet, desk, and lamp, everybody harmonizes to Afternoon Delight, and Ron saves Veronica from a bear.


This is like my one night stand movie. I only fool with it when my standards are low and I need a few cheap laughs. But still, ANCHORMAN boasts some funny performances and outstanding dialogue.

And I’ve never seen anybody more comfortable in his underpants than Will Ferrell.

FINAL GRADE: C+


Off in search of a light blue leisure suit,

M.