Ted

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane's amusing, irreverent, and outrageous live action/CGI-animated comedy Ted tells a story about a guy, his girl, and his gross teddy bear. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, the tale begins one Christmas with lonely 8-year-old John Bennett wishing on a falling star that his new stuffed teddy bear—which squeaks “I love you” when you squeeze it—could really talk. The next morning Teddy comes to life, startling Johnny, his parents, and the rest of the world. But like all instant celebrities, Teddy's fame fades and he settles in as John's constant companion and boorish best-buddy. Working at a Boston car rental agency, 35-year-old John (Mark Wahlberg) is a man-child, dwelling in a state of arrested development, and refusing to accept the responsibility that comes with maturity. After a particularly appalling evening—during which bong-sucking, profanity-spewing Ted carouses with prostitutes—John's longtime, live-in girlfriend, Lori (Mila Kunis), insists that Ted move out. To be able to afford his own apartment and beer-brawls, Ted lands a job at the local supermarket where he romances a floozy cashier (Jessica Barth). But then Ted is kidnapped… First-time director MacFarlane finds humor in a myriad of rude pop-culture references, while boyish-looking Wahlberg is totally convincing talking with his teddy bear (recalling Jimmy Stewart chatting with the invisible rabbit in Harvey, except that everyone can hear what Ted has to say). Weird, funny, and recommended (for adults that is). [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Seth MacFarlane, writer Alec Sulkin, and star Mark Wahlberg, a “making-of” featurette (25 min.), a gag reel (7 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are deleted scenes (15 min.), alternate takes (11 min.), a “Teddy Bear Scuffle” segment on the fight scene (6 min.), the BD-Live function, and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a fun film.] (S. Granger)