Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Ted’ (2012)

1/9/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mark Wahlberg as John Bennett and Seth MacFarlane as the Voice of Ted in ‘Ted’ (2012). (Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures.)

It is definitely safe to say that motion pictures, and books, and television shows that explore the complexities of relationships focus heavily on one type of relationship… the romantic kind. It makes sense as to why. For we as a society cherish love deeply, and we are eager to teach others that it won’t be a walk in the park. There will be bad times, there will be fights and there will be real challenges when it comes to growth and sustainability of that love. And seeing and reading stories where people overcome those issues, inspires us to fight hard when we find it and it gives us hope that we will indeed find our one and only and know exactly how to keep them happy and grow with them for the rest of our days.

But while that focus is indeed fulfilling and audiences flock to them in any form, there is one problem in making that the focal point of all these stories. In that, it doesn’t fully showcase how to handle the other important relationships in our lives. Such as friendships. Which is, yes, a true relationship. It just doesn’t involve romantic gestures and intimacy in the romantic sense, and it is one that we don’t value in the manner we always should. Since we are keen to trim friends now and again as though they’re no big deal, and sometimes… we even shed valued best friends in the name of stupid things. When in reality, friendships also require work, and growth and honesty, and believe it or not, after so many years of stories focusing on the just romantic stuff, not that long ago… a movie finally came forth that explored the importance of maintaining healthy friendships in our lives, and how, by way of Seth MacFarlane’s Ted.

Which well, might be a statement that raises eyebrows. After all, this is a story about a grown man that hangs out with a sentient teddy bear. Wherein they smoke weed, watch Flash Gordon nonstop, and do some unsavory and wild stuff in the name of having a good time. In fact, one could argue, that there is no depth to this film and it’s just a wild comedy about those very things, with some cocaine thrown in for good, measured laughs as well. But one would be wrong. Because all of those comedy elements are just designed to make a story about a grown man and his foul-mouthed teddy bear, palatable. So that the lesson will actually stick with us and well, what we learn in this story is in fact… quite incredible. Because in reality, Ted is a feature that examines two key elements regarding the central theme of friendship.

For instance, this movie does take a very frank look at how we treat them in this life. Specifically, how we believe that friendships have to maintain a certain border and barrier emotionally. As though being open with a close friend is a crime and that is indeed a societal view of friendships, and it is one that allows for us to just toss friends aside. For if they don’t meet our needs or our criterion, we don’t need them in our lives and this movie makes it clear… that’s not the way to go. Because when you really look at John and Ted’s relationship, it’s deep, they bond as brothers really, and eventually they come to learn some healthy things about friendship along the way. Such as the fact… that it is okay to be open about feelings with our close friends, and that in fact… we should.

Because that can promote real growth in us and help us to see our lives through a different lens, and we should also be prepared… to ask ourselves how much this friendship means to us. Because there will be fights and moments of conflict and if the friendship is special and worth it… we need to face those moments head on. And all of those lessons come together in a beautiful manner in this story. Courtesy of moments that showcase growth, that allow for John and Ted to see what they mean to one another and what their bond actually accomplishes, and of course… they come to learn the most valuable lesson of all. The value of friendship, and the power pouring ourselves into making it healthy and sustainable.

All of which brings forth, a very charming and very hilarious comedy. Because all endearing moments aside, this is a movie where Seth brings his A-game to the table as a writer and a director, and a comedian. Which in turn leads to some amazingly funny moments, many of which leave you laughing deeply and sometimes, leave you gasping for air. But beyond the laughs is a masterful script that is also filled to the brim with dynamic characters that we can relate to, moments that feel straight out of our own lives. Because who doesn’t love Flash Gordon and has some variant of a Thunder Buddy, and all of those reasons allow for this film to endure. For it really is refreshing and original, and fun, and it has an amazing message for all of us, about why we should pay our friends more mind, and more care.

Watch ‘Ted’ (2012)

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