Score: 3.5/5
There have been a lot of negative reviews floating around following the release of Seth MacFarlane’s “Ted 2.” As it is the sequel to its popular predecessor, “Ted,” there were high expectations for the stoner-friendly motion-picture.
In the movie, the story of thunder buddies John, played by Mark Wahlberg, and his living teddy bear best friend Ted, voiced by Seth MacFarlane, continues as Ted and his blonde bombshell wife try to save their marriage by adopting a child. During the process, Ted is unable to adopt when it is revealed that the law considers him to be property, not a person. Thus, leading up to the ultimate question of the movie — what defines a person as a person?
Relevantly, in the age of humanoid-related films like “Ex Machina,” “Ted 2” takes its own approach on the topic through the stuffed bear. With meaningful speeches by lawyers Samantha, played by Amanda Seyfried, and Patrick Meighan, played by Morgan Freeman, it makes the debate feel very real for a lighthearted comedy.
The film also does well with keeping its jokes current. Like, really current. But that’s no surprise considering the format of MacFarlane’s other baby, the hit animated TV show “Family Guy.”
So to the critics of “Ted 2,” I have my own question: What exactly were you expecting? Sure,“Ted 2” doesn’t really come close to being a movie worth winning any awards, but neither did “Ted.” It’s a comedy about a marijuana-loving talking bear. As far as I’m concerned, the movie achieved what it was set out to do — crack a few jokes.