The 70s have proven to be a huge source of humor in the past
few years. “The Brady Bunch”, “Scooby-Doo”, “Boogie
Nights”, and even “That 70’s Show” have
benefited from America’s culturally cute decade. Polyester
fashion, big hair and white shoes are just funny to think about.
Put them in a movie with goofy characters like wolf-faced Will
Ferrell and super-dweeb Steve Carell and be prepared to swallow
your tongue!
“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” is probably
the finest movie of its kind ever made, that is, about the
wide-tied world of 70s local newscasting. Experience everything
that the decade meant to those who were there: cologne, helmet-hair,
cigarettes, talking dogs and Scotch.
The parallel universe where San Diego’s Channel 4, KVWN
leads the way in quality television reporting followed ever
so closely by Wes Mantooth of Channel 9, KQHS is a frighteningly
convincing mirror house of fun. The odd quirks of the Channel
4 news team fit right in. Like four musketeers, Burgundy and
company cut a wide swath as they make their way towards the
next big story. In this first installment, of what could become
a national obsession, the story is about pandas.
Oversexed, in a bad way, the newsmen of this movie are the
true menace to society. They are thick-skulled, delusional,
and just a tad egocentric. In other words, America loves them!
Will Ferrell has zoned in on this nation’s funny bone
and hit it very hard with one of those wooden spoons you cook
with or stir things up with in the kitchen.
My only complaint, the one that kept this instant classic
from beating out “Citizen Kane” as the greatest film
ever made about the news business, was the tele-prompter gag
that could have been played for big laughs, but was buried
on page six. Maybe they’re saving that one for the sequel.
That’s the one where women’s brains grow to the same
size as mens and they try to take over the media. But they
don’t because they’re women. “It’s science.”
Much of what makes “Anchorman” so hilarious is it’s
stunted views of life from thirty years ago. Could we really
have changed that much? Been that squirrely? Worn those colors?
Apparently so!
I’ve already said too much about what lies in wait for
those going to see the legend that is, of course, Ron Burgundy.
This movie will make you laugh, alot. “It’s science.” Then
when you come out of the theatre, you begin to cry like you
are “in a glass case of emotion.”
