Anchorman is daft, but brilliantly daft

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd

Cert: 12.

How shallow is the vapid and empty world of television, as shown here in what is a brilliantly clever and wonderfully witty look behind the cameras at all those who snuggle into the studio couch and flash their tombstone teeth; how glamorous they are, how sharp, how brimming with personality.

How not!

Ferrell, who co-wrote the screenplay with McKay, plays the legendary anchorman of the title, a character of slicked-back hair, sharp suits, witty one-liners and stupid catchphrases. This is the l970s and the boys rule. Well, until the ambitious Veronica Corningstone decides it's time for her very own 15 minutes of fame; it's time for macho Ron to step aside.

We have here a thought-provoking comedy in which Ferrell positively shines (alas, the usually excellent Applegate has been given such a weak character that she cannot find a decent handle on what she's supposed to be doing). It is, fortunately, not as serious a flaw as it might at first seem since the film itself is a mad, rollercoaster of lowbrow observations.

Star Rating: 4/5