The Other Guys (2010)

Two cops bickering at their desks are funnier than every explosion in this movie, and the movie has a lot of explosions. Adam McKay’s buddy cop comedy is half a sharp riff and half a muddled money plot that eats the last act. Will Ferrell plays Allen as a detective who’d honestly rather be doing taxes, and his calm, polite weirdness never cracks. Mark Wahlberg is the surprise. His Terry is a furious, insecure cop who shouts every feeling the second he has it, and he’s legit hilarious doing it. Michael Keaton steals his scenes as a captain who also works a second job at a home goods store. Dwayne Johnson is in it briefly and makes it count. The trouble is the story. Once Steve Coogan’s billionaire and his scheme take over, the jokes start running thin. It made $170.5 million worldwide on a reported $85M to $100M. A 6.9 because the leads are on fire and the plot reads like paperwork. $999 says you see a red Prius this week and give it a small, respectful nod.

What works: Mark Wahlberg’s yelling, insecure Terry and Michael Keaton’s deadpan captain land big laughs, and Ferrell’s mild-mannered act never cracks.

What doesn’t: The financial fraud plot is confusing and slow, and the final act runs out of jokes long before it runs out of story.

Who it’s for: Will Ferrell fans who like their cop movies with more bickering than car chases.