In the 1970s, an anchorman’s stint as San Diego’s top-rated newsreader is challenged when an ambitious newswoman becomes his co-anchor.
Despite its dedicated fan base, I regret to inform you that I will not be joining the ranks of “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” enthusiasts. The film boasts an impressive comedic cast, including Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Steve Carell, alongside memorable cameos from Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, and Ben Stiller. Yet, even this talented ensemble fails to elevate a narrative that, while ripe with comedic potential, ultimately falls flat.
Set in 1974, the film revolves around Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), the charismatic anchorman for San Diego’s KVWN channel 4. Alongside his cohorts Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), Champ Kind (David Koechner), and Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), they dominate the airwaves by day and the party scene by night. Their world is disrupted by the arrival of Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), the station’s first female anchor. The men’s attempts to sabotage her backfire, leading to Ron’s unemployment and subsequent downward spiral. When Veronica goes missing during a live broadcast, Ron is recruited to take her place but is then forced to choose between journalistic integrity and saving his rival-turned-love-interest.
Having seen a few clips that elicited a chuckle over the years, I was eager to finally watch “Anchorman” for the first time for its 20th Anniversary 4K release. Regrettably, my viewing experience was devoid of genuine laughter. I initially attributed this to a potential mismatch between my Irish sarcastic sensibilities and American comedy. However, reflecting on my youth spent enjoying American comedies like “Up the Creek,” “Airplane,” “Meatballs,” and more, I realized that the issue lies with the evolving nature of comedy. Even at 20 years old, “Anchorman’s” humor often feels forced and unnatural, like a comedian laughing at their own joke in an attempt to cue the audience.
The film’s approach to comedy is akin to force-feeding, prioritizing quantity over allowing humor to flow organically. While some jokes land, others fall flat, leaving the viewer with sporadic, as opposed to consistent, laughter. It’s a testament to the cast’s talent that the outtakes featured during the closing credits are more amusing than the actual film. Initially, I was grateful that the story concluded with an “American Graffiti”-inspired epilogue, sparing us from potential sequels. Alas, that was not the case.
Available on 4K Ultra HD™ Release July 2nd
