Some weeks are better than others are for new releases. I had no intention of seeing Step Up 3D, so I thought I’d take a recommendation from one of the readers (Thanks, The Drummer from Def Leppard’s Arm) and check out The Other Guys. You know, the latest Will Farrell flick, but this time he’s a former forensic accountant that has been transferred to a spot amongst New York City’s finest. Unfortunately, for Farrell’s character – Allen Gamble, he is teamed up with an action hungry, temper-tantrum-personified in Terry Hoitz, played by Mark Wahlberg.

Adding to Hoitz’s frustration is the fact that the whole precinct lives in the shadow of two hero cops named Highsmith – Sam Jackson, and Danson – Dwayne Johnson. Due to a strange set of circumstances, early in the film, there is some opportunity to move into the spotlight and Hoitz wants it. The problem is that his partner, Gamble, wants no part of the danger associated with action-movie detective work and Hoitz hates him for it.

Let me hit the parts of the film I wasn’t too fond of first. I’m going to throw it out there, I don’t know him personally, but in every role he’s played, I can’t stand Rob Riggle. He plays the same part every time. Come on, Rob, how about a little variety. Oh… and you’re not funny with your yelling and repetition. You’re freaking annoying.

Aside from the jokes (remember “soup kitchen”), we’ve seen this one before, but I think that may have been the point. Two cops stumble upon some type of conspiracy involving a famous or powerful guy who is connected or protected so well that many are afraid to look into the case. Our heroes spend most of the rest of the film trying to build a case.

Things I love about this one:
I love Steve Coogan. This guy makes me laugh no matter what he does. I also love the lovely Eva Mendes as Gamble’s wife, who is described as plain by Farrell, throughout the film. The on screen banter between Mendes and Farrell is almost as good as the banter between Farrell and Wahlberg. I also love Michael Keaton’s slightly neurotic Captain who moonlights at Bed Bath & Beyond and seems at times to have given up on life.

Not a lot to say about this one. Not many surprises, it plays out exactly how you think it will. Some of the situations and visuals are funny, but we’ve seen it before.

How much would I pay to see this one again out of $10? $5. I have a feeling it is not as re-watchable as director Adam McKay’s other outings.

I’m looking forward to next week. A Double rain..er, a double review.

Jay (J.C.) Fralick is the co-host of the Wanna Watch a Movie? Podcast

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Image: Columbia Pictures