Ted, Channel 4, Saturday, 9pm.
FILM OF THE WEEK:
If you’re not heading to the cinema to see
this weekend, you might as well stay in and watch the original instead. Directed and co-written by Family creator Seth MacFarlane, it’s the rude, crude but very, very funny tale of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), who as a lonely child made a Christmas wish that his beloved teddy bear would come to life. His dream came true, and the walking, talking Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) became a celebrity, until the novelty value wore off and the world moved on. However, John never gave up on his best friend, and the two are still joined at the hip, much to the frustration of John’s girlfriend Lori (MacFarlane’s old Family
mate Mila Kunis), who thinks her other half is already directionless enough without a foul-mouthed, partying toy dragging him down. Can Lori convince John it’s time to put away childish things, make a commitment and generally start acting like an adult? Or will it be Donny (Giovanni Ribisi), a creepy stalker with a desperate yearning for a Ted of his own, who finally comes between them? It won’t be to all tastes, but this film has a lot more going for it than just a teddy bear that swears. As well as some great gags – and an inspired cameo from Flash
star Sam Jones – the performances by Wahlberg and Kunis make you root for their romance, while hoping they don’t end up donating Ted to a jumble sale.