Top 5 Movies of Will Ferrell
It’s hard to imagine a film landscape without Will Ferrell’s lovable, manic presence. The SNL alum is one of the funniest actors of all time. He’s headlined a slew of big studio comedies and proven himself in the dramatic arena as well. But which of his films are his best?
1. Elf
Whether he’s an airheaded anchorman or an evil Lego minifigure, Ferrell has a gift for bringing life to even the most mundane roles. Elf finds him at his quippy best, with the unadulterated joy that characterizes all his performances on display here.
Buddy, a man raised among Santa’s elves, travels to New York City in full elf outfit to find his father Walter Hobbs (James Caan). As Genius Ditz, Buddy is able to build faster than any human—even if he does make mistakes like dropping an armful of snowballs on unsuspecting bullies.
Though more subdued than some of his other roles, Ferrell is perfect as an IRS agent who starts hearing a disembodied voice narrating his own life in Stranger Than Fiction. It’s a touching and hilarious m4ufree film. With a little help from his co-stars, he manages to turn an otherwise-drab story into a feel-good fantasy.
2. Step Brothers
Released two years after Talladega Nights, Step Brothers is just as insane while also making little sense. The movie stars Ferrell and John C. Reilly as Brennan and Dale, two grown men who are forced to live together after their single parents marry each other. Adam McKay co-wrote and directed the film. It also features Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, and Adam Scott.
Although some critics have criticized Ferrell for overusing his man-child persona, this is still a funny and entertaining comedy that does not take itself seriously. From musical interludes to scrotal drumming, the 123movies are full of over-the-top humor. Plus, it’s a great way to see Ferrell and Reilly interact. They make a great team.
3. Talladega Nights
A NASCAR spoof with a heart, Talladega Nights is powered by Ferrell and his supporting cast. John C. Reilly is downright hilarious as Ricky Bobby’s right-hand man Cal, and Gary Cole carries off his deadpan performance with the same aplomb he brought to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Born into the backseat of a race car, immature but talented driver Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) lives by his mantra, “If you’re not first, you’re last.” His fearlessness propels him to the top of his sport until brash French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) enters the picture.
Adam McKay reteams with Ferrell for this movie, which also stars John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Amy Adams, Jane Lynch, and a host of Saturday Night Live alumni. The film was filmed on location at various racetracks, including Talladega Superspeedway.
4. The Other Guys
In a world where a Black man can be killed by a White police officer for carrying a quarter ounce of cannabis and a New York Yankee can lose his career after accidentally shooting a baseball, the concept of a buddy comedy set in a modern city isn’t without a certain irony. Adding to that weight are the movie’s depictions of the NYPD’s pecking order, with milquetoast forensic accountant Allen Gamble (Ferrell) paired up with testy partner Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg).
The best moments in this Dan Rush-directed film occur when literalness is thrown out the window, such as in a scene where Ferrell and Wahlberg riff about TLC. But this premise can only hold up for so long, and the last act drags. Still, it’s a better effort than the ill-conceived Land of the Lost.
5. Anchorman 2: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Six months after Veronica Corningstone leaves him, San Diego’s top-rated newsman Ron Burgundy is approached by Freddie Shapp with the opportunity to anchor for GNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. He scoffs but eventually reassembles his old news team, playboy reporter Brian Fantana, good-old-boy sportscaster Champ Kind, and weatherman Brick Tamland.
After a rocky start, the team begins to find success. But obnoxious rival anchorman Jack Lime is determined to destroy them. And when a serious news story breaks, the team finds themselves embroiled in a wild free-for-all that could change television forever. This sequel to the original Anchorman features a handful of half-hearted subplots (like an office romance between Brick and his coworker Linda Jackson, and Ron’s unwavering loyalty for his pet shark) but it’s still a funny satire with plenty of laughs. A must-see for fans of the original.
