HOLLYWOOD—It’s hard to believe that “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” hit theaters nearly a decade ago, but the films cult following has been eagerly anticipating a sequel for years. Well, the wait is over. “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” brings Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), in one of his notable career roles back to the big screen. Along for the reunion includes Brick (Steve Carell), Brian (Paul Rudd) and Champ (David Koechner).

Sequels rarely top the original; I’ll be the first to admit I am not a Ron Burgundy fan. I didn’t feel the excitement for that cult classic as so many avid fans did, heck, I didn’t even think the first film was funny. Its sequel proves to me that funny comes in a variety of ways. Ron’s success has gone a bit to his head, he’s always had an ego, but when his wife Veronica (Christina Applegate) is promoted as the first female nightly news anchor, it causes some envy issues for the arrogant Burgundy.

Unable to deal with his wife’s burgeoning success, he leaves his family forSan Diego, where he finds himself being courted by GNN, a new cable network dedicated to 24-hour news all day long. This creates a laugh riot for Ron who thinks the idea is absolutely absurd, but looks at the big picture allowing him to reunite with his original crew and cue the hijinks.

This installment pushes the envelope in terms of humor, by tackling cultural issues.  There are some side-splitting funny moments between Ron and GNN Manager Linda Jackson (Meagan Good).  Their relationship is something anew in the 80s, so to see him place his foot in his mouth on more than one occasion is hilarious to watch. The same can be said for the awkward yet, hilarity between Brick and his love interest Chari(Kristen Wiig). The jokes are a bit risqué and may be seen offensive to some, so those not fans of sharp humor, might not find things as amusing.

Both Carell and Wiig bring quirkiness to both characters that instantly link the two together. The satirical approach of “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” makes it a cut above its predecessor. We’re a culture that doesn’t really take a step back and examine the 24-hour news engine that may be CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and all the other countless media outlets. While so many of us like to believe that news never sleeps, to some degree it does, things are always happening, but filling in the gap to find stories throughout the news media engine is not an easy task, and this picture examines that notion.

Not to mention the competitive nature of the world of top anchors.  Holding that top spot is one thing, but maintaining that level of notoriety is not easy as Ron learns all to well. It’s a competition between Ron and Jack Lime (James Marsden), a rival reporter who has consistently topped the ratings. He’s polished, good looking, and poised; everything Ron isn’t. So to see these two interact and take cheap jabs at one another is hilarious. Not to mention the countless cameos from some big time stars in the movie. I’ll keep those cameos a surprise as it will leave quite a few audiences members falling out of their seats.

There are a few subdued moments in the picture, the plotline involving Ron and Veronica’s son, Walter is a bit unnecessary; it actually halts the narrative drive of the picture in my opinion and could have been scrapped. It’s the writer’s way of bringing a bit of compassion for the ego-driven, over-the-top reporter, but it doesn’t work as successfully as planned.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” delivers an outstanding cast of characters who all compliment the ‘star’ of the picture Mr. Ron Burgundy himself. It’s an evolution of his character in an era that really defined the news media as some of us know it.

By LaDale Anderson