During his tenure on “SNL,” Will Ferrell (one of my favorite actors/comedians) and his future business partner Adam McKay penned a script inspired by a documentary about Jessica Savitch. A female journalist in the ’70s who was bullied by her male co-workers. This time, focusing on a self-centered anchorman who gets a reality check. Paul Thomas Anderson was considered to direct but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. After Will & Adam left SNL, they polished the script with additional materiel brainstorming crazy ideas. Once everything’s done, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”
Released in 2004, (same year Shaun of the Dead came out) it received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, the movie made enough revenue at the box office. Afterwards, a direct-to-video film titled, “Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie” features additional scenes and outtakes. Nine Years Later, Anchorman: The Legend Continues” follows Ron and his team in New York City. Will Ferrell’s next movie is a live-action adaptation of “Barbie” with Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling. As a fan of Mr. Ferrell’s work, I wanna share my thoughts on one of my favorite comedies before the aforementioned movie comes out on July 21, 2023. Same day Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” will be released. Which is two days before my 30th birthday.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We often Anchorman quotes and their brought up as memes.
Smart & Dumb Qualities
Smart: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell & David Koechner all did a funny as heck job for their respective performances as the News Team.
Other Cast Members such as Christiana Applegate, Vince Vaughn, Chris Parnell, Kathryn Hahn and the late Fred Willard all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Adam McKay did a great job directing. He also co-wrote the script with Will.
Judd Apatow produced the movie. He also makes a cameo appearance as an employee who couldn’t resist Brian’s cologne. Speaking of which, Brian’s cologne is called, “Sex Panther.” Twelve Years Later, Paul played Ant-Man and fought Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War.”
Seth Rogen makes a brief appearance as a cameraman.
Cinematography never suffered from technical issues throughout.
Fred Armisen, Tim Robbins, Danny Trejo, Luke Wilson, Jack Black & Ben Stiller make cameo appearances.
Humor is filled with memorable quotes, Brick’s non-sequiturs and absurd moments. Particularly the fight scene with the News Team’s encounter with rival networks. My other favorite joke is Ron having an emotional breakdown in a phone booth yelling, “I’M IN A GLASSCASE OF EMOTION!” That’s exactly how I felt reacting to “Logan,” “Interstellar,” “Avengers: Endgame” and both Rue & Jules’ relationship on “Euphoria.”
Ron’s chemistry between Veronica and his friends serves as the main highlight. His interactions with them moves the story forward. Ron & Vernonia have better chemistry than Anne Hathaway & Chris Pine in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”
My favorite line is… “Boy, that escalated quickly!”
The News Team sing “Afternoon Delight.” I prefer this over the maids from Princess Diaries 2 singing “Frere Jacques.”
You think Lizzo is a pro in playing the flute? Ron’s flute skills are flawless yet absurd.
I’m giving Ron Bonus Points for delivering the best F-Bomb in movie history other than Wolverine in “X-Men: First Class.” If you own the unrated version on DVD/Blu-Ray, Ron drops more F-Bombs.
When Veronica insults Ron, the latter’s eyes glow like a Goku or Vegeta transforming into a Super Saiyan. “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3” also came out in 2004. It’s my favorite DBZ video game growing up.
Bloopers are shown during the end credits. You can tell Will and the crew are having a good time. A clip from “Smokey and the Bandit” randomly pops up. One more thing, Kansas’ “Carry on my Wayward Son” is played during the end credits. Song was also used in “South Park” with the boys playing “Guitar Hero.”
Dumb: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Will and the crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy remains as one of my favorite comedies. Some of the stuff listed above, indicates why it’s a timeless classic. If you’re eager to see Will Ferrell in “Barbie,” Anchorman is a must see along with “The Other Guys,” “Old School,” Talladega Nights: The Ballard of Ricky Bobby” and last but not least, “Step Brothers.”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 