The Other Guys is weird

Elvis D'Silva reviews The Other Guys.

How does one review a movie like The Other Guys without confusing the reader? I suppose the movie could pass for a comedy, or more specifically, an action-comedy. But what this movie really achieves is a mildly funny look at the lives of those people who do not get to shine in the limelight. Which is refreshing for a movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell.

Wahlberg plays Terry Hoitz, a cop with a promising career who became the black spot on the department's name when he accidentally shot a major sports hero. His partner Allen Gamble (Ferrell) is a 'forensic accountant' and together they are the duo that everyone in the department laughs at.

When the real stars in the department (played by Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson) are killed in the line of duty, every cop in the department tries to take their place as the new stars. Including Hoitz and Gamble. Needless to say, nuttiness ensues.

Of course there is a larger plot involving a crooked investment banker David Ershon (Steve Coogan) and the people who may or may not be out to kill him; and a subplot involving Gamble's hot wife Sheila (Eva Mendes). But it appears that this is really a Will Ferrell vehicle with Mark Wahlberg added on to generate extra audience attraction.

The film features scenes of wanton destruction of public property, inept handling of matters pertaining to the investigation and police procedure and when all else fails, guns are fired (sometimes in slow motion).

The Other Guys is a weird little movie, sometimes mildly funny but mostly, just weird. The plot develops in a very haphazard manner and it is resolved in an equally unsatisfactory way. It is unclear why it was necessary for the police captain (Michael Keaton) to work two jobs for any reason other than to include a product placement so ham-handed it rivals all of Bollywood's worst efforts. Same goes for the nonsense relating to Gamble's car.

Though the overall feeling after having watched this movie is not particularly unpleasant, I can't imagine actively recommending this movie to people I actually like. If you're a Wahlberg or Ferrell fan, and don't own a DVD player, I suppose you should go check this movie out in theatres. Otherwise, go out and get some exercise.

Rediff Rating: