Ted 2 (2015) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Ted 2 (2015) is the sequel to the 2012 comedy hit Ted, directed by Seth MacFarlane. The movie reunites audiences with the foul-mouthed, living teddy bear Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) and his best friend John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) as they embark on a new misadventure. While the first film focused on John and Ted’s friendship, this sequel takes on bigger issues, exploring themes of legal rights, personhood, and identity while maintaining the raunchy humor and over-the-top antics that made the original a success. In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, performances, and streaming options for Ted 2 in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Ted Fights for His Rights
The story picks up after the events of the first movie, with Ted now married to his girlfriend, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). The couple’s relationship hits a rocky patch, and in an attempt to mend things, Ted and Tami-Lynn decide to adopt a child. However, their plans are derailed when the state declares that Ted is not a person but merely property. As a result, Ted loses his job, his marriage is invalidated, and he is stripped of his legal rights.
Determined to fight for his rights, Ted, with the help of his best friend John, hires a young and inexperienced lawyer, Samantha Jackson (Amanda Seyfried), to represent him in court. Together, they embark on a legal battle to prove that Ted is a person in the eyes of the law. Along the way, the trio faces off against a corporate villain (Giovanni Ribisi) who has his own agenda for Ted, leading to a series of hilarious and outrageous scenarios.
While the film tackles a serious issue—civil rights and what it means to be human—it does so through the lens of raunchy humor, pop culture references, and Ted’s irreverent personality. The mix of courtroom drama and crude humor makes for an unusual but entertaining blend.
Performances: Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane’s Comedic Chemistry
One of the highlights of Ted 2 is the continued chemistry between Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane (as the voice of Ted). Wahlberg, known for his action roles, shines once again in a comedic setting, effortlessly playing the straight man to Ted’s wild antics. His ability to react to the absurdity around him with genuine exasperation and sincerity keeps the humor grounded, even when the jokes get outlandish.
Seth MacFarlane’s performance as Ted is as sharp as ever. The teddy bear’s foul-mouthed humor and quick wit are front and center, making him the star of the film. MacFarlane brings a lot of the same irreverent energy that he’s known for from Family Guy, with plenty of pop culture references, politically incorrect jokes, and rapid-fire dialogue.
Amanda Seyfried joins the cast as Samantha, Ted and John’s lawyer, and brings a refreshing presence to the film. Her character is portrayed as laid-back and quirky, fitting in well with the offbeat humor of the movie. Seyfried manages to hold her own in scenes with Wahlberg and Ted, adding a nice balance to the trio’s dynamic. Her on-screen chemistry with Wahlberg leads to some genuinely funny and charming moments.
Giovanni Ribisi reprises his role as Donny, the creepy villain from the first film. This time, he’s working behind the scenes at a toy company with a plan to kidnap Ted and create mass-produced versions of him. Ribisi plays the role with an unsettling mix of awkwardness and malevolence, providing a bizarre yet effective antagonist for the movie’s subplot.
Humor and Pop Culture References: A Seth MacFarlane Staple
Much like the first Ted, Ted 2 is packed with raunchy jokes, vulgar humor, and pop culture references. MacFarlane’s brand of comedy is unapologetically crude, often pushing the boundaries of good taste, but that’s exactly what fans of his work expect and love. From jokes about race, gender, and politics to random cutaway gags, the humor is as fast-paced and outrageous as ever.
One standout sequence is the film’s trip to Comic-Con, where Ted, John, and Samantha find themselves in a chaotic showdown among cosplayers. The scene is filled with fan service, geeky references, and absurd situations that will delight fans of nerd culture. For those familiar with MacFarlane’s other works, particularly Family Guy, this style of humor will feel very familiar.
However, while the comedy often hits the mark, some jokes fall flat, and the film’s reliance on shock value can sometimes feel excessive. The movie attempts to balance its cruder humor with more heartfelt moments, but the tonal shifts between the two can be jarring at times.
Themes of Personhood and Civil Rights
Amid the raunchy jokes and ridiculous antics, Ted 2 attempts to tackle more serious themes, particularly the concept of personhood and civil rights. Ted’s legal battle to be recognized as a person in the eyes of the law parallels real-world issues surrounding civil rights and identity. While the film doesn’t delve too deeply into the complexities of these topics, it does raise interesting questions about what it means to be human and who deserves rights and protections.
These more thoughtful moments provide a surprising layer of depth to the film, though they are often undercut by the film’s commitment to its comedic roots. Still, it’s refreshing to see a mainstream comedy attempt to address larger social issues, even if it does so through a humorous and exaggerated lens.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews
Ted 2 received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many praised the chemistry between Wahlberg and Ted, as well as the film’s humor, while others felt that the sequel lacked the originality and freshness of the first film. Some critics felt that the movie relied too heavily on crude humor and didn’t fully explore the more serious themes it touched on.
That being said, fans of the first Ted were generally satisfied with the sequel, appreciating its humor, familiar characters, and absurd plot. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, Ted 2 delivers enough laughs to make it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate Seth MacFarlane’s comedic style.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch Ted 2 Online
As of 2024, Ted 2 is available for streaming and rental on several platforms in the U.S.
Streaming Platforms
- Peacock
- Ted 2 is available to stream on Peacock. Subscribers can access the film as part of their subscription plan in HD.
- Amazon Prime Video
- Ted 2 is also available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video for Prime subscribers.
- FuboTV
- FuboTV includes Ted 2 in its streaming lineup, allowing subscribers to watch the movie as part of its service.
- Hulu (with Starz add-on)
- The movie is available via the Starz add-on for Hulu subscribers.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video
- If you don’t have an Amazon Prime subscription, Ted 2 can be rented or purchased on Amazon. Renting gives you a 30-day window to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you begin.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Google Play offers Ted 2 for both rental and purchase, with options for SD and HD streaming.
- Apple iTunes
- Ted 2 can be rented or purchased on iTunes, allowing viewers to watch on their Apple devices.
- Vudu
- Vudu also offers rental and purchase options, with the film available in SD, HD, and UHD formats.
Conclusion: A Fun but Familiar Sequel
Ted 2 may not have the same impact as its predecessor, but it still delivers enough laughs, crude jokes, and heartfelt moments to entertain fans of the first film. The chemistry between Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane’s Ted remains the highlight of the movie, and the addition of Amanda Seyfried adds a fresh dynamic to the cast. While the film’s attempts at tackling deeper themes of civil rights and personhood are commendable, they often take a backseat to the raunchy humor that defines the movie.
If you enjoyed Ted and Seth MacFarlane’s unique brand of comedy, Ted 2 is worth a watch. With plenty of streaming options available, it’s easy to find and enjoy this irreverent sequel. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, Ted 2 promises a ridiculous, fun-filled ride with its iconic teddy bear.
