The Other Guys

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Adam McKay and Columbia Pictures is a comedy about “The Other Guys”.

This film tells the story of two detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Teri Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). In back of the squad room these two are over shadowed by baddest and most beloved detectives Chris Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and P.K. Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson).

Tired of being ‘the other guys’ Gamble and Hoitz take on a case that no one else wants. This is their chance to prove their worth and bust up a crime ring. Neither of them get much support from their fellow officers or their boss Captain Mauch (Michael Keaton).

Hoitz tries to get out of the corner but his partner isn’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. Life at home is also giving Gamble problems as his wife Dr. Sheila Gamble (Eva Mendes) is just his ‘ole ball and chain’.

Stepping up could be the end of the police forces new dynamic duo, especially when you are the other guys.

FINAL WORD: What can you expect when you pair the incredibly funny Will Ferrell with the absolutely handsome Mark Wahlberg? You get some kind of fun! Ferrell is endearingly ridiculous as Gamble. He plays his part extremely well as the straight-faced good cop. If you loved “Talladega Nights” and “Step-Brothers” than this is definitely a film for you.

Wahlberg is delightful as the uptight Hoitz. It is nice to see him try more of his comedic side and what better way to stretch his legs than with Ferrell at his side. It will be back to the serious roles for Wahlberg as his next film “The Fighter” about ‘Irish’ Mickey Ward and the road to the world light welterweight title.

Mendez seems to have the straight out comedy in the film. She is outrageous and is looking lovely. She honestly has some of the funniest lines in the film. It’s nice to see Michael Keaton again along with Damon Wayans, Jr.

Other cast include:  David Gideon as the Mayor, Joshua Church as the Hot Dog Guy, Rob Riggle as Martin, Damon Wayans, Jr. as Fosse, Ray Stevenson as Roger Wesley, and Derek Jeter as himself.

A week ago both Ferrell and Wahlberg were entertaining San Diegans at Comic Con 2010 with their high energy and humor. Mendez also joined in the joking and had the audience cheering their antics. At one point while a trailer for the film was being shown, Ferrell was laughing to hard he had tears in his eyes, which had the audience laughing even harder.

You never know what to expect from the funny man, as he also showed up dressed as his animated character “Megamind” which is being released in November also starring Tina Fey and Jonah Hill.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “The Other Guys” three tubs of popcorn out of five. Although this duo has their flaws, it doesn’t stop the laughs. It’s a fun night at the movies with some memorable lines that I’m sure will be repeated as most Will Ferrell films do!

Sure you can say its just another buddy cop movie but with Ferrell and Wahlberg behind the wheel and director Adam McKay at the helm you won’t be disappointed.

In the end – when the cops are busy there’s always the other guys!