“The Other Guys” Movie Review

Everyone’s heard the old adage “You win some, you lose some.” Unfortunately, this tried-but-true saying doesn’t really apply to NYPD detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg)—they tend to stick to the losing part. Thanks to Terry’s consistent tendency to blunder in the line of duty and Allen’s, um, cautious approach to crime-fighting (translation: he’s a coward), the two are relegated to the back of the department, filing paperwork and occupying the background space in the photographs of celebrated detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) as “The Other Guys.”

But the dysfunctional pair stumble upon an incredible (and incredibly stupid) opportunity when they take on a risky case that no other cop with any sense in his head will even approach—a high-profile investigation of the less-than-squeaky-clean  capitalist and businessman, David Ershon (Steve Coogan). Before they know it, Terry and Allen are off in hot and hilarious pursuit of Ershon, all the while attempting to rise above their differences, overcome their ridiculously inept pasts, and field the numerous obstacles and distractions thrown in their paths. But can this horrifyingly inadequate pair actually crack the case and get some heart-pounding, fist-pumping action for themselves in the deal? Or will they always be the blurry outlines in the pictures of the bad-ass officers they so want to embody?

With a gut-busting all star cast including the likes of Eva Mendes and Michael Keaton, “The Other Guys” delivers a standout performance that just might qualify as the biggest, shiniest jewel in the treasure trove of film collaborations between actor Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay— comedic gems which include the legendarily funny “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby”.

“The Other Guys” is now playing in theaters, so go buy some tickets and get the tissues ready—you’ll be laughing so hard, you’ll need them.

Photo from tabercil via wikimedia