“Can you imagine where you’d be in your career if you hadn’t shot Jeter?” —Allen Gamble
Today’s quick review: The Other Guys. Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) are two of New York’s most hated cops. But the two detectives get their shot at glory when David Ershon (Steve Coogan), a shady investor who manages billions of dollars, is kidnapped right in front of them. To figure out who took Ershon and why, Gamble and Hoitz will have to put aside their differences and become the heroes they always wanted to be.
The Other Guys is a crime comedy that parodies the gung ho attitude of other cop movies. Will Ferrell stars as Allen Gamble, a police accountant whose quiet, helpful personality earns him the contempt of his macho colleagues. Mark Wahlberg plays opposite him as Terry Hoitz, Allen’s reluctant partner who wants nothing more than to move past a career-damaging blunder. Their uniue skills give them a shot at cracking a case no one else will even take.
The Other Guys is spot-on with some of its humor. The action genre is a broad target to hit, and all the movie has to do is crank up the characters’ attitudes just a little bit to have all the jokes it needs. Allen and Terry live in a world where every cop wants to be a hero, with all the chaos and bluster that entails. The shots at the genre are offset somewhat by jokes that embrace its sense of excess, giving action fans something to like.
The Other Guys also makes good use of its leads. Allen and Terry take the classic buddy cop setup and run with it in a very specific direction. They are both ridiculous in complementary ways, letting the movie shift the focus of its humor as needed. Neither character is as easy to like as in movies with less of a satirical edge, but their characterization is surprisingly consistent throughout the film, showing more care than the average spoof.
Still, the balance of the movie may feel off for some viewers. The Other Guys skirts the line between affectionate parody and vicious takedown of the action genre, which may make it unappealing to action fans depending on how they read it. The humor can be coarse in places, and Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are both strong flavors to get used to. Ultimately, The Other Guys has a clear vision that may not be what some viewers are looking for.
The Other Guys is a solid pick for anyone who wants to see the cop formula turned on its head. The movie makes a few risky decisions that will narrow its appeal, but strong comedic foundations and a fruitful setup make it worth a shot for anyone curious. For an even more outlandish parody of the genre, try Last Action Hero, Loaded Weapon, or The Naked Gun. For a more cerebral, noir-style buddy comedy, try The Nice Guys.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid comedy that largely hits its targets.