Will Ferrell's endearing, off-kilter acting style seems to have spawned its own genre: call it, simply, the Will Ferrell Movie. While I find too-similar routines obnoxious in some actors, Ferrell movies are often so easily digestible that I crave them when I need a lighthearted film fix. In honor of Ferrell's latest triumph, Blades of Glory, I thought I'd pay tribute to the man in this week's Movie Night.
Old School
On the surface, this "dude buddy" kind of movie sounds kind of repellent, but whether it's the clever script or Ferrell's inoffensive demeanor, I absolutely love Old School. Frustrated by the realities of adulthood, three buddies in their 30s (including a priceless Vince Vaughn) create their own fraternity, partially to keep from being evicted by the ornery dean. What's funny is that these aging college friends are still desperately trying to "fight the man" when they are at a point where they could easily be "the man." It's silly, ridiculous, and easy to watch.
For my other favorite Ferrell movies, read more
Elf
What I like most about watching Will Ferrell is how honest and childlike he seems, and in Elf, his enthusiasm is infectious. Ferrell plays Buddy, a man raised by Santa's elves who strikes out to find his real father in Manhattan. Zooey Deschanel is great as the department-store elf who befriends the awkward Buddy. No matter what time of year it is, you will find yourself filled with good cheer after this film.
Anchorman
Sure, I'm as sick of guys quoting this movie as the next girl, but it doesn't dampen my enjoyment of the film itself, which I think is surprisingly funny. Sure, Anchorman lacks focus — about halfway through, it feels like actors are making things up as they go along — but Ferrell's regal newsman and his bumbling crew (Paul Rudd, Steve Carell) make it worth watching, even repeatedly.
Versace
Hussein Chalayan
Religion
Great list! I really liked Stranger than Fiction as well.
1I'm glad you didn't put "Talladega Nights" on this list - that one was crap. But I love all these movies you listed.
2Love the list- My all-time favorite movie is Elf. I love Will Farrell, i need to netflick stranger than fiction.
3****"Everything in life is only for now."-Avenue Q****
oh Buzz you are a girl after my own heart! This is an excellent line up! I liked Elf, but I LUVED, LURVED Old School and Anchorman. These are just classics in my book.
Esp. the scene in old school where he's telling the college kids about his weekend plans- nice little saturday planned, going to bed bath and beyond, maybe home depot, but I just don't know if we'll have the time! I just don't know!
4Will Ferrell is AWESOME! I just came back from Blades of Glory and I laughed so hard at times that I was crying. He and John Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) were brilliant together. A definite must see.
5I'll see this one this weekend!!
6I think the reason why his repetitive Will Ferrell act doesn't get old is because he so fully commits to his characters. Unlike so many other comedian/actors, you actually believe that you're watching the characters doing these odd, over the top things rather than just watching Will Ferrell in another amusing costume.
7It's a toss-up between Old School and Elf. Both are hilarious.
8Not to be rude or anything....
9old school is definently the best but i think he is always best when he just pops up in movies such as wedding crashers
i loved talledega nights but that might just be because i worked at a movie theater and i had to promote it- anyways elf is by far the best.
10Old School and Anchorman were are the most quoted comedies, EVER. Pretty sure. haha.. Elf is definitely my new fav holiday movie. Congratulations!! World's Best Cup of Coffee?! You did it!!
11Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.