Right up front, this is an "R" (USA) film, but it is a keeper. Brings to mind The Hangover, with it's over the top "foul" language and rowdy sex. What kept this film out of the gutter was the pacing, spot on comedy timing and of course the writing.

The aforementioned credit must be given to Seth MacFarlane. Voiceovers are used in animated films, but in this one, it's the narrator (Patrick Stewart). I'm sitting there saying I "know" that voice but I didn't answer that question until I looked up the cast. The other is the lead character a teddy bear names TED comes to life with the voice of MacFarlane.

As the story opens, a youngster in the film makes a wish at the age of eight that his Christmas gift, a teddy bear, could be a real live friend; his wish is granted. You actually glide along with John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), the grown up that made that Christmas wish so many years before and his pal, TED. His friend is a stuffed teddy bear, but you don't give it a second thought. TED becomes human. TED is a forceful but lovable character that fits into his human role until the girlfriend realizes she is playing second fiddle. TED has to get a place of his own or the girlfriend, after giving John many chances, is out the door.

TED is so well written and performed by Wahlberg and Mila Kunis his girlfriend. Back to my opening salvo that gave this film an "R" reminded me of The Departed which also starred Wahlberg. There is something about that matter of fact, real delivery given with a Boston accent.