Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Adam McKay

Writers (WGA):

Will Ferrell (written by) &
Adam McKay (written by)

Release Date:

9 July 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

His news is bigger than your news.

Plot:

Ron Burgundy is San Diego's top rated newsman in the male dominated broadcasting of the 1970's, but that's all about to change when a new female employee with ambition to burn arrives in his office.

Plot Keywords:

Frat Pack | Cult Favorite | Opening Narration | Male Female Relationship | Mustache

Awards:

1 win & 9 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sun. Dec. 7	8:00 PM	TBS
Sun. Dec. 7	10:00 PM	TBS

Cast

Will Ferrell	...	Ron Burgundy
Christina Applegate	...	Veronica Corningstone
Paul Rudd	...	Brian Fantana
Steve Carell	...	Brick Tamland
David Koechner	...	Champ Kind
Fred Willard	...	Ed Harken
Chris Parnell	...	Garth Holliday
Kathryn Hahn	...	Helen
Fred Armisen	...	Tino
Seth Rogen	...	Eager Cameraman
Paul F. Tompkins	...	MC
Danny Trejo	...	Bartender
Scot Robinson	...	Waiter at Tino's
Ian Roberts	...	Stage Manager
Darcy Donavan	...	Hot Blonde

Also Known As:

Action News (USA) (working title)
Action News! With Ron Burgundy (USA) (original script title)
Action Newsman (USA) (working title)
Anchorman (USA) (short title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sexual humor, language and comic violence. (edited for re-rating)

Runtime:

94 min | Canada:97 min | USA:104 min (extended version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Canada:14A (DVD rating) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Netherlands:6 | Malaysia:U (DVD) | Sweden:11 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:12 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Iceland:L | Ireland:12 | Norway:11 | Singapore:NC-16 | UK:12A | USA:R (original rating) | USA:Unrated (uncut DVD version) | USA:PG-13 (edited for re-rating) (certificate no. 40782)

Filming Locations:

Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California, USA

Company:

DreamWorks SKG

Trivia:

There are 23 people in the street fight.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During the news team's pool party, there is one scene in particular when Ron jumps into to pool off the diving board. When he jumps he throws his glass of scotch. The glass is attached to some sort of wire because in the corner of the scene you can see it being pulled down to the water; it even hits the water before Ron does.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Bill Lawson: [narration] There was a time, a time before cable. When the local anchorman reigned supreme. When people believed everything they heard on TV. This was an age when only men were allowed to read the news. And in San Diego, one anchorman was more man then the rest. His name was Ron Burgundy. He was like a god walking amongst mere mortals. He had a voice that could make a wolverine purr and suits so fine they made Sinatra look like a hobo. In other words, Ron Burgundy was the balls.

Movie Connections:

References Planet of the Apes (1968)

Soundtrack:

Deep Burgundy

Funny Anchorman

This summer I've seen several intentionally stupid funny movies, and enjoyed them. Adam McKay's "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" is no exception. Seems that my taste for high concept cinema has been influenced by the summer-- well not really. This movie written by McKay and it's star Will Ferrell is an outrageous and completely over the top comedy. Applaud Will Ferrell as the mind bendingly stupid and self absorbed, San Diego newscaster, Ron Burgundy. Will Ferrell is genius in playing Ron straight without character dispersions. Ferrell creates a great deadpan sense with his cohabiting dog, Baxter, and the fact that his character Ron Burgundy will read ANYTHING on the teleprompter, his tragic flaw, well at least one of several, is priceless. Ferrell also never crosses the line of being a complete jerk which is an amazing accomplishment. In fact, Ferrell gives Ron a muted charm-- he really does grow on you.

Basically, "Anchorman" is an extended sitcom. Ron is informed by his station manager, Ed (a funny Fred Willard), that he will have a co-anchor, Veronica Corningstone (a hot Christina Applegate). Turns out that Veronica was a woman whom was immune to Ron's vast charm at a wild news crew party. Veronica is beautiful, ambitious, and smart. She too has aspirations of being a Network Anchor. The Boys Club news crew which include sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner), feature story guy Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), and the dumb as a post weatherman Brick Tamland (Steven Carell) all make their play for Veronica. However, she falls for Ron in spite of himself. Ron eventually woos her affections in a totally wacky jazz flute display. The screen writing is so skewed in a good way, and it has absolutely no shame. There is a classic scene with Ron's dog Baxter, and a bridge that according to my bud, John, shatters a fundamental script writing rule. In another memorable scene Ron gives an erroneous translation of the name San Diego to Veronica that is hilarious. "Anchorman" also benefits from cameos of talented actors, most notably Vince Vaughn as Wes Mantooth, the rival station anchor. Christina Applegate looks great, and truly has a talent for comedy.

"Anchorman" is completely over the top, and ignores any boundaries. That really makes it work. "Anchorman" is broad stroke farce done well. Will Ferrell demonstrates great comedic gifts. I want to see what he creates next. For now, "Anchorman" is just great fun, and very funny stuff.