Ted 2

Ted 2 is a hilariously eccentric comedy sequel that consistently laughs in the face of conventional movie norms. Re-joining forces for another chapter in the tale of the beloved foul-mouthed teddy bear, returning director Seth MacFarlane and male lead Mark Wahlberg continue their unique brand of humor and storytelling, bringing in a fresh face to the mix in the form of Amanda Seyfried.

The film picks up where it left off in the first Ted movie, continuing the surreal narrative of Ted, the teddy bear who defiantly sprung to life and grew up with his childhood buddy, John Bennett, played by Mark Wahlberg. Ted is no ordinary teddy bear though, he not only talks, drinks, and swears, he also has a pretty grown-up relationship with his characteristically Bostonian girlfriend, Tami-Lynn, voiced by Jessica Barth.

The sequel serves up a different, somewhat more serious plot this time around. Ted and Tami-Lynn decide to tie the knot, and soon after, the idea of bringing a child into the world seems like the logical next step in their lives. However, being a living teddy bear presents a unique and legally challenging problem for Ted, especially when it comes to parenthood.

Ted isn't considered a person under the law. Instead, he's seen as property, which means that he's unable to adopt a child with Tami-Lynn. After being declared as such, Ted, feeling rather more object than subject, decides to take his case to court, fighting the system to prove that he is indeed a person in the eyes of the law.

Enter bright, youthful lawyer Samantha Jackson, played with charming energy by Amanda Seyfried. Samantha agrees to take on Ted's case, proving not only an ally but also a potential source of romantic confusion; given the chemistry between her and John, Wahlberg's character who, post-divorce from Lori - Mila Kunis' character from the first movie - is on a funk of his own, looking for love again.

It’s not merely a court battle for Ted, it’s a fight for his identity, his freedom, and his rights, a serious theme juxtaposed with the hilarity, insanity, and vulgarity audiences have come to expect from Ted and his friends. Regardless of the deeper themes, Ted 2 sticks close to its comedic origins, ensuring that the seriousness never takes the centre stage. The humour in the film is raunchy and slapstick, with a few moments of shock-factor laughs, as well as chuckle-inducing pop culture references.

Mark Wahlberg does a good job reprising his role as the down-on-his-luck but loyal man-child John. He has excellent comedic timing, and his chemistry with Ted is strong, making it easy to believe they are lifelong friends. Seth MacFarlane, as the voice of the titular character, is once more outstanding, delivering Ted's obsidian humour and quick wit flawlessly. Seyfried fits nicely into this unusual world, maintaining a perfect balance of seriousness and heart, but also proves herself capable of being just as ridiculous and side-splittingly funny when the script calls for it.

The visual effects in Ted 2 are as accomplished as in the original, with seamless blending of the CGI animated Ted into real-world scenarios. It's impressive how the filmmakers conspire to make this bear, and his wild antics, appear so believably realistic within recognizable settings.

Ted 2 is rated R for a variety of reasons, including strong crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use. The film successfully delivers uproarious laughs mixed with a profound assertion on civil rights. It manages to ground the outrageousness of its premise with sharp wit and somewhat unexpected emotional heft.

All in all, Ted 2 by Seth MacFarlane is a riotous comedy sequel that takes the talking teddy bear and his human friend on a new, emotionally surprising, and uproariously funny adventure. It sustains and extends the particular comedic spirit of its predecessor but also ventures into new territory, provoking thought on the age-old question of what it means to be human, all the while guaranteeing audiences a good laugh.