The Other Guys | B+

The Other Guys tells the story of a team of two outcast policemen vying for the top spots of two superstar cops in the precinct who face an untimely and incredibly unbelievable death.  After stumbling upon a conspiracy while investigating a minor construction violation, hilarity ensues.

Written and directed by Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step Brothers), it is safe to assume that this movie is going to include some outlandish humor. The Other Guys definitely delivers, with star Will Ferrell (Elf, Anchorman) using his usual comedic timing to bring some serious laughs. The film also includes a hilarious cameo by Derek Jeter that sets the stage for Mark Wahlberg's (The Departed, The Italian Job) character's decline in the police force due to his trigger-happy antics.

Though the plot was a little far-fetched, Ferrell and Wahlberg did an amazing job keeping the story grounded and made the over-the-top plot believable with their level of commitment. The two face the ridiculousness of the situation head-on and are so confused as to what is happening that it makes the audience believe that they really are experiencing the craziness that makes this film. Both Ferrell and Wahlberg come through in their performances and they complement each other surprisingly well. Though many may be skeptical of Wahlberg in a comical role like this, The Other Guys displays a whole new side of him and he impresses with his comedic chops.

The film also features a superior ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Eva Mendes (Hitch, The Spirit), Rob Riggle (The Daily Show, Step Brothers), and Michael Keaton, who plays a delightfully awkward captain that moonlights as a manager at Bed Bath and Beyond and unintentionally quotes girl-group TLC throughout the entire movie.

It was upsetting that as the credits rolled a five-minute advertisement about the economy and the malevolence of Wall Street came on the screen. Though informative, it had almost nothing to do with the movie and seemed to make the overall feel of the film switch from a lighthearted comedy to a movie with a hidden political agenda.

However, despite the ending credits, The Other Guys is definitely worth the money and would make a great date movie. Though it is an action comedy, it lacks the gore of traditional action movies, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.