Seth MacFarlane | Geekscape

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Ted 2

by MCDaveJune 27, 2015

Animation guru, Seth MacFarlane, proved once and for all with his 2012 comedy hit, Ted, that he was capable of transitioning to a big screen director. And while his sophomore effort, A Million Ways to Die in the West, was an absolute disappointment, MacFarland attempts to get back to his comfort zone with the highly anticipated sequel, Ted 2. Regrettably, though, MacFarlane will have to continue trying to top his original work.

A few years have passed and John (Mark Wahlberg) has divorced while Ted’s ties the knot with his grocery store check-out co-worker, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). With a shaky marriage brewing between the Teddy bear and his foul-mouthed wife, they decide that having a child is the only way to reconcile. However, in order to adopt a child (due to Tami-Lynn’s drug-destroyed ovaries), Ted must prove that he’s a person in a court of law. So they enlist the help of a novice trial lawyer named Samantha Jackson (Amanda Seyfried) and take on the almighty powers that be.

Ted 2‘s brightest moments occur when Seth MacFarlane sticks to his mantra of one-liners and merciless zingers regarding pop culture icons. The writer-director is massively effective when it comes to constructing these kinds of jokes. However, MacFarlane struggles to develop a cohesive and sensible story to help put his comedic prowess on display. He completely misses by continuing his blind loyalty to actor Giovanni Ribisi. After Ribisi’s character nearly spoiled the franchise’s first installment, there is absolutely no need to revive “Donny” in this sequel. While the blame deserves to land solely on MacFarlane’s shoulders, as Ribisi has proven that he’s a capable actor, Ted 2 suffers from an unforgivable second act that’s plagued by unnecessary subplots and an over-extended script that pushes the comedy far past its desirable limits.

The third feature from Seth MacFarlane isn’t all doom and gloom, however. Just like the original, Mark Wahlberg gives a fully committed performance once again and demonstrates his natural ability for eliciting laughs. Yet, despite Wahlberg’s fine work in the film, trading Mila Kunis for Amanda Seyfriend is ultimately a bit of a loss. While Seyfriend is merely serviceable, Ted 2 uses a long list of cameos from Liam Neeson, Jay Leno and Tom Brady to keep the jokes fresh. But in the end, all of these shining bright spots become inevitably overshadowed by a flimsy story that provides a brittle foundation for the comedy.

Of course Ted 2 will make you laugh, much like anything MacFarlane has his hand in. Nevertheless, you’re honestly better off revisiting the first film or soaking in some classic Family Guy episodes. This latest effort from Seth MacFarlane is by no means a complete bombshell, but it’s definitely a long-winded affair that offers very little more than a solid barrage of first-half laughs and a steady stream of second-half yawns.

GRADE: 3/5

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Meet Robert Franzese, The Real-Life Peter Griffin

by Eric FranciscoJanuary 7, 2015

By now you may have heard of Robert Franzese. If you haven’t, you definitely have seen him. Last year he made waves online with his flawless cosplay and impersonation of Peter Griffin, the central oaf of Seth MacFarlane’s never-ending Family Guy.

Now, a short documentary has surfaced online, and the man himself seems way cooler than any spot-on cosplay.

Produced by BOOM! Big Pants, Robert Franzese is an aspiring voice actor but is a “nobody” with a “nobody job” making “nobody pay.” And in just 4 minutes, you learn a little about how geek culture can elevate said “nobodys” into “somebodys,” and we hope that somebody does what they do with the best intentions. For Franzese, you can feel his passion for geek culture. While he is the stereotypical image of a nerd, he’s incredibly eloquent, smart, and very sharp both in-character and as himself. It’s guys like Franzese, I think, that embody the best about the environment we have chosen to surround ourselves in.

I don’t know Franzese in real life, and I only just now started following him on social media. I don’t know his political views, I do not know his personal life, I just don’t know him. But in the 4 minutes I’ve seen him, he seems pretty A-OK, and it’s heartwarming to see him do stuff purely to make people happy.

You go, Robert Franzese, and good luck on your voice acting career (you seriously need to watch him do other characters, the accuracy is insane). If he ever says something awful or does something terrible that I can’t get behind I’ll be sure to rage on my keyboard, but for now: the dude is all right with me.

You can follow Robert Franzese as the Real Life Peter Griffin here.

Geekscape Movie Review:s ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’

by Dennis FinocchiaroMay 23, 2014

Seth MacFarlane’s newest film, A Million Ways to Die in the West, is absolutely hilarious and covers every single persons’ sense of humor. Need a laugh? You should definitely see it.

Of course, like his show Family Guy, it has over-the-top, crossing-the-line humor throughout. Dumb laughs? Of course. Physical comedy? Quite often. Funny song? Check. Pop culture references? Duh! Sarcasm galore. Dirty humor. High brow laughs. And of course, it has its fair share of poop and fart jokes. This movie has laughs for everyone’s sense of humor, no matter what.

What else really made the movie were the piles of cameos, both those that were spoiled for me (thank you so much, Internet) and the ones I somehow avoided by ignoring the trailers and spoilers. Some were random, others were completely planned out and precise, but overall each and every star who appeared in the film made it even funnier.

Even better? Sure I’m telling you to avoid the trailers, but much like those of Bad Grandpa, the Million trailers show parts of the funny scenes, but not the whole moment. The ice block scene? The shooting gallery? These are so much better in the film. Luckily, this is not one of those movies where all of the funny parts are given away in the trailer.

The actors were hilarious as well. Seth MacFarlane is always funny, but Charlize Theron doesn’t always get to be comedic and does an excellent job. Plus, with the likes of Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman and Neil Patrick Harris, you know it will be jam-packed with laughs.

Plus, I have a feeling it has many “How did I miss that?” moments when watched a second time. Since I’ve only seen it once at a sneak preview, I can’t be sure…but I have a feeling that kind of humor was there too.

My only advice is to try your best to avoid spoilers. Don’t watch the extended trailers that are sure to start coming out. Don’t cross the “spoilers below” line in articles. And definitely don’t talk to your loud mouth friends who saw it before you. A lot of the humor relies on the surprise.

Overall, this movie gets 5/5 on the humor alone. See it as soon as possible! A Million Ways to Die in the West hits theatres on May 30th!

Watch A Hilarious New Trailer For ‘A Million Ways To Die In The West’

by Derek KraneveldtMay 7, 2014

Briefly: MTV has just debuted a new red band trailer for A Million Ways To Die In The West.

It’s probably one of the most NSFW trailers that I’ve ever seen, and it’s absolutely hilarious. Seriously.

A Million Ways To Die In The West stars Seth MacFarlane (who also directed, produced, and co-wrote the film), Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman and Neil Patrick Harris. Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! The film hits theatres on May 30th!

Seth MacFarlane directs, produces, co-writes and plays the role of the cowardly
sheep farmer Albert in A Million Ways to Die in the West. After Albert backs out
of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious
and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin
to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge,
the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

Watch The First Trailer For Seth MacFarlane’s ‘Ted’ Follow-Up, ‘A Million Ways To Die In The West’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 30, 2014

Briefly: Universal Pictures today debuted the very first trailer for Seth MacFarlane’s Ted follow-up, A Million Ways To Die In The West.

I’d actually not heard of the film until today, but as is usually the case with Seth MacFarlane (and was definitely the case with most of Ted), this one looks great, and I can’t wait to see more.

Seth MacFarlane directs, produces, co-writes and plays the role of the cowardly
sheep farmer Albert in A Million Ways to Die in the West. After Albert backs out
of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious
and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin
to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge,
the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

Ted (And Mark Wahlberg) To Present At The Oscars!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 1, 2013

Yes, you read that right. Ted, the loveable, vulgar teddy bear from one of last year’s most surprising comedies (which went on to become the highest R-rated comedy of all time) will be presenting at next month’s Academy Awards!

This should be pretty interesting to watch. Was Ted not CG for most of the movie? How will he be animated on stage!?

The Academy also stated “we won’t deny that Ted used his pull with our host to get himself the booking.” This year’s host, of course, being Seth Macfarlane, creator of Family Guy, and writer/director on Ted.

Will you be tuning in to the ceremony? The 85th Annual Academy Awards will broadcast live on February 24th.

The 85th Annual Academy Awards Gets A Host!

by Derek KraneveldtOctober 1, 2012

Looks like the Academy has found it’s host for the upcoming 85th Annual Academy Awards. Funnyman Seth Macfarlane, creator of hits like Family Guy and Ted will headline the ceremony, which is scheduled for February 24th. 2013.

Seth had a pretty big year with the release of the well reviewed and well received Ted. Seth definitely resonates with younger audiences, and the Academy is likely hoping that his presence will draw a wider audience to view the show.

From the press release:

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Seth MacFarlane will host the 85th Academy Awards®, telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. This will be MacFarlane’s first appearance on Oscar’s stage. The 85th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on Oscar® Sunday, February 24, on the ABC Television Network.

“We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh,” said Zadan and Meron. “He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”

“It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars,” said MacFarlane. “My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast.”

“Seth is unbelievably talented,” said Academy President Hawk Koch. “We couldn’t be happier with the creative team we’ve assembled. With Craig, Neil, and now Seth, we’re off to a great start.”

MacFarlane made his feature directorial debut this summer with the box office success “Ted. “He also co-wrote and produced the film, and voiced the title character. “Ted” has brought in over $420 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

MacFarlane is the creative force behind the television series “Family Guy” and co-creator of “American Dad!” and “The Cleveland Show. “In September he hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the first time, for the show’s 38th season premiere. An accomplished live performer, MacFarlane has played to sold-out audiences at London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he released his debut album, “Music Is Better Than Words,” which earned two Grammy® nominations. He also has earned 13 Emmy® nominations and won two for his work on “Family Guy.”

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®. Don Mischer will direct the telecast for the third consecutive time. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

What do you think of the choice? Will you be tuning in?

Geekscape Reviews: ‘Ted’

by Shawn MaddenJune 29, 2012

So, let me start off by saying I was in a packed theater with no more than ten females present. I guess they were all off seeing Channing Tatum’s bare ass while I was seeing Mark Wahlberg’s bare ass. There was the one spoiler I am giving you. I know ladies…you are now trading in your tickets for tonight to see ‘Ted’ instead.

Earlier this year I made the statement that ’21 Jump Street’ would be the funniest movie to come out this year. I now retract said statement. ‘Ted’ brought me to tears due to laughter more times than I could count. If you had any fears that Seth MacFarlane’s humor wouldn’t translate to the big screen…have them no more. It translates and it translates oh so well.

‘Ted’ tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish…and has refused to leave his side ever since. John’s girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) wants to move on with their lives together and feels Ted (Seth MacFarlane) is in the way of that happening.

If you’re looking for “smart funny” go somewhere else. Why the fuck would you be expecting that? This movie is exactly what you think it’s going to be and that’s a great thing. While this movie can appeal to everyone it’s definitely aimed at the products of the 80’s and 90’s. There are some jokes that may be lost on the younger crowd. But even if you you’ve never seen them you will probably still laugh and sort of get the numerous ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Flash Gordon’ references. And how would it be a Seth MacFarlane movie without the cameos? As stated I am keeping this review 99% spoiler free but there are moments you are not going to expect in this movie and they are great.

One worry I had about this movie was how believable was it going to be seeing Ted throughout the movie. The CG is great and there are times when I honestly forgot that it was CG. There’s a scene in the opening when Ted meets a certain late night talk show host that left me wondering “How did they pull that off?”

Overall ‘Ted’ is a hilarious and fun movie. If you don’t laugh at all within the first five minutes of the film…go get your money back and go see something else. But then again if you’re on this site I honestly expect you to laugh multiple times within the first five minutes and the entire duration of the movie. ‘Ted’ is one of those comedies that you will be able to watch over and over again and still laugh at the jokes.

Score: 4/5