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Would you rather pay for a solidly funny 60 minute movie or a 90 minute film that did nothing more than add utter stupidity and extra attempts at humor that seem to seep from the brain base of an 11 year old? That is sadly what you get in the new buddy copy comedy, The Other Guys. It is a film that has some seriously funny moments but is surrounded by ill conceived rabbit trails and scenes that feel like bad sketch comedy. And as always the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the writers who have a decent concept but lack the originality to see it through. 
 
The story follows two NYC detectives who for reasons of their own are assigned tedious desk jobs while other cops are out busting bad guys and gaining notoriety. Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) is a straight laced number cruncher who seems content to handle the mundane. His partner Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) is a loose cannon waiting for his chance to get back on the streets and into the action. When the two stumble on to a white collar crime situation they finally have the chance to prove themselves to the department; if they can keep from bumbling things up.
 
As with most Will Ferrell comedies this one has moments of greatness. Ferrell is never better than when playing the naïve innocent. His ability to deliver off the wall lines with a straight face makes characters like this endearing and hilarious. Unfortunately the writers only offered him a few chances to shine. Wahlberg is a terrific compliment to Ferrell. His intensity and pent up anger meld nicely with Will’s demeanor. It especially works in the world of cop comedy. Granted Mark is being what he always is and doesn’t stretch himself too far. At times I expected his character to tell Allen, “Say hi to your mother for me”.
 
The Other Guys is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, language, violence and some drug material. Though more suited for those with the mentality of a 12 year old it is certainly not suitable for them. Parents may want to rethink dropping their pre-16 year olds off at the mall for this one. Only the most die hard fans of Ferrell and Wahlberg will find this worth the money. Again, it had moments that were precise and head on hilarious. But the rest of the time it is a bust. It gets 2.5 out of 5 hybrid humps. A movie that is too hit and miss for true comedy fans, too sophomoric for an older couple date night and one that has little to offer the masses in general. It would be smart to wait for the DVD on this one. I think it reimburses you a rental fee far more than a full ticket price. So says Matt Mungle. 
 
Matt Mungle
 

 
Review copyright 2010 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.