Ted

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Ted
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale
Directed by Seth MacFarlane

Growing up, young John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) didn't have any friends, and one Christmas he received a teddy bear he called Ted.  One night he wished that Ted would be real so he would have a friend, and the next day Ted comes alive, and the two become best friends.  Ted's magical transformation also draws attention to national and international news, and he becomes an overnight celebrity, all the while maintaining his friendship with John.

As John grows up, he meets and falls in love with Lori (Mila Kunis), and, after four years of being together, she wants to take things to the next level.  The only issue is that John still has Ted, who has become a bitterly sarcastic, drunk, pot-smoking bad influence on John, who refuses to grow up.  Eventually Lori gives him an ultimatum - either it's her, or Ted. 

Seth MacFarlane, who is best known for creating and voicing the hit Fox series "Family Guy," directs his first live-action film which, currently, holds the distinction of being the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time.  He delivers his "Family Guy" style humor in droves in "Ted," which results in several laugh-out-loud moments, but he also gives a heartfelt undertone to the film that really draws you in, making you totally oblivious of the fact until the end. 

A brilliant blend of humor and heart, yet this film is definitely not geared for a family-friendly movie night.  This is one teddy bear you won't want for your children - but might want for yourself.

My Rating: A

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