Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Hype often outweighs reality – we all know that. But, following the huge success of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy fans were understandably expecting a lot from its follow-up. Thankfully, it delivers, as the violence, hyper-chauvinism and downright lack of political correctness is back with a vengeance.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues catches up with Burgundy and now wife Veronica Corningstone in New York City. They're the nation’s most popular news anchors, but when Veronica is promoted to sole anchor, Burgundy is cast aside and left to make a nuisance of himself – Will Ferrell does this so well. After feeling plenty of self-pity, Burgundy, with the help of a re-assembled news team, is taken on as anchor on the nation’s first 24-hour news network and, in an attempt to bump ratings, he and his team do what they do best: make it up as they go along. Of course, only bad and ridiculous things can follow, and be assured, they do.

If the first film annoyed you in any way, stay away from the sequel. On almost every level it uses the popular status of its predecessor as a platform, with nods to old jokes and big swaggering strides to push the comedic boundaries set by its predecessor that little bit further. For most of us, more of the same is exactly what we want, only this time we wanted the volume cranked up even higher: cue racial slurs, thrown into the film's volatile hotpot of political incorrectness and there you have it. This film tries its hardest to top its older brother by doing everything it can to get our attention – the climactic and hilarious fight scene does just that.

With the addition of comedy heroine Kristen Wiig playing the part of Chani Lastname, a potential love interest for Brick (Steve Carell), along with a ton of appearances from a number of others who shall not be named – wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise – and a plot that jumps around like a bear with a bee up its arse, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues feels like an onslaught, which, of course, is a big part of why audiences love it. Apparently, beautiful cinematography and a plot so deep one becomes entangled in it forever isn't necessary; superficial tomfoolery will do just nicely. It encourages us to remember that we shouldn't take everything so seriously, and this film, like the first, does that aplenty.

The break-downs, fight scenes and sharp suits are back for a killing, and while the film’s first instalment will always be the sure favourite, this one isn’t a bad little sidekick.