The Other Guys

What’s so good about The Other Guys is the continuous string of disjointed, ridiculous, and highly enjoyable left-field comedy sketches filled with quirky characters—Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Keaton, Rob Riggle, Damon Wayons Jr. and a very fun Eva Mendes—that kept me cry-laughing throughout. What’s so bad about The Other Guys is the story. Ferrell and Wahlberg play Odd-Couple partners in the New York City police department, relegated to shuffling papers at facing desks at their precinct while a super-star tandem—played by Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—collects ridiculous accolades as they destroy city blocks during car chases in pursuit of bad guys and fame. A thin thread about one white-collar crook’s scam to get rich again quick in order to pay off his bad debts to a bunch of other crooks lazily drifts in and out of the action with the only purpose being to give the hapless partners a case to chase in hopes of stealing some glory in their department. It’s inane and telegraphed, and nowhere near director Adam McKay/Ferrell’s other collaborations (Anchorman, Step Brothers). Feather River Cinemas, Paradise Cinema 7 and Tinseltown. Rated PG-13 —