1. Ted 2 (Universal, 3,442 Theaters, 115 Minutes, Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, and some drug use, Rotten Tomatoes Rating at Press Time: 44% Fresh [80 Reviews]): So, the first Ted was a mildly funny, yet not classic film, in my opinion (Other members of the FBOL staff my disagree). It didn’t seem to be the kind of film that would become a major box office success, but it did. So, here we have the sequel.
This time around, Ted (voice of Seth McFarlane) is trying to adopt a child with his human wife, Tami-Lyn (Jessica Barth). This is complicated when Ted finds out the government considers him to property, not a living being. Thus starts Ted’s legal battle to declare himself “human,” with his “Thunder Buddy” John (Mark Wahlberg) helping him out all the way.
The humor will be insultingly crude. If your tolerance level for that sort of thing is high, then you might enjoy this film. If not, look elsewhere.
2. Max (Warner Brothers, 2,855 Theaters, 111 Minutes, Rated PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements, Rotten Tomatoes Rating at press time: 44% Fresh [39 Reviews]): I don’t know which is weirder, a kid-friendly film revolving around the loss brought on by a military death, or a modern day film with a war dog as a protagonist.
Max is a military dog whose handler is killed in Afghanistan. He doesn’t take it well, and is sent stateside to his handler’s surviving family. Together, they work to mourn their shared loss and move on with their lives.
The film has a great cast, but seems to be a bit too schmaltzy for the subject matter. And I think the themes might be a bit too mature to take your puppy loving kids too.
