Two Jews On Ted 2

What is it to be ‘human?. That’s the issue that ‘Ted 2’ takes on. Of course, they take it on with the edgy, politically incorrect humor of Mr. Seth MacFarlane, who also wrote and directed the film.

At the start of ‘the movie, Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) marries Tami-Lynn, (Jessica Barth) his girlfriend from the first film. The wedding is a joyous affair and Ted’s BFF, Johnny (Mark Wahlberg) couldn’t be happier for him, despite the fact that he still hasn’t gotten over his own divorce from ex.wife of 6 years. Ted and and Tami-Lynn, like most couples start out madly in love, but it doesn’t take long for life to interfere. Ted’ is always complaining about all the money Tami spends on clothes. She defends her purchases but telling him that she’s trying to climb up the corporate ladder and needs to dress for success. Ted is not buying it. Tami is only a cashier at a super market, where Ted also works. The once happy couple is now fighting all the time, and after a year of marriage, things are not looking good, until a friend suggests they have a baby. And that’s exactly what Ted and Tami Lynn try to do. Of course, not having a penis doesn’t make Ted a good candidate. So the couple decide on artificial insemination. They guys go in search of sperm…but not just anyone’s sperm. The donor has to be an incredible athlete, smart, great looking… one that looks like Tom Brady. In fact, Tom Brady is their first choice and this is one of the funniest scenes in the film. Watching Johnny and Ted trying to steal Brady’s sperm.. Even Mark Whalberg contributes, but his little guys just don’t cut it. There’s nothing left for the couple to do except ADOPT. Unfortunately this puts Ted on the government radar and it doesn’t take long for his life to completely fall apart. He’s declared property, not a human, all his credit cards are cancelled, he loses his job, and of course the couples dream of adoption is now off the table. What to do? Find a lawyer of course, who will take on the case Pro Bono. And they find the perfect one..in the form of Samantha (Amanda Seifried) a beautiful pot smoking lawyer. What could be better? Well, there is the fact that she’s never tried a case before, but she is passionate about the case and determined to win Ted his rights.

‘Ted 2’ does tackle an interesting concept…What makes someone ‘human’. There’s lots of references to the ‘civil rights’ movement especially when Morgan Freeman, who plays a very high powered civil rights attorney, comes into the mix. Yes the film is very funny at times, but there’s something forced about the humor. It actually takes you at of the story…You become aware of here comes another Seth MacFarlane joke. For me, the comedy just didn’t feel all that organic to the story. Having said that, I did laugh and I was entertained. Fans of the first ‘Ted’ will definitely run out to see this sequel. I’m sure most of them will not be disappointed.

I gave ‘Ted 2’ which opens in theatres, June 26, four bagels out of five. check out our Two Jews On Film video for more of my thoughts and to see my guest.

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Joan and John Schwartz

Joan and John Schwartz are ex New Yorkers, living in Los Angeles. They are married and see a lot of films. They usually disagree but always tell it like it is. John is most famous for creating the cult classic films Faces of Death. He has also written for various prime time series and has written movies for both Showtime and HBO. In the world of reality television John has produced, written and directed over 450 segments for various magazine shows He has also written and Executive Produced several Prime-Time Specials. Joan has appeared on the New York Stage on and off Broadway…and has been in several Los Angeles theater productions as well.. Joan has been in several low budget films and at present she is busy writing screenplays with her husband, John.

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