The 70s have proven to be a huge source of humor in the past

few years. "The Brady Bunch", "Scooby-Doo", "Boogie

Nights", and even "That 70's Show" have

benefited from America's culturally cute decade. Polyester

fashion, big hair and white shoes are just funny to think about.

Put them in a movie with goofy characters like wolf-faced Will

Ferrell and super-dweeb Steve Carell and be prepared to swallow

your tongue!

"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" is probably

the finest movie of its kind ever made, that is, about the

wide-tied world of 70s local newscasting. Experience everything

that the decade meant to those who were there: cologne, helmet-hair,

cigarettes, talking dogs and Scotch.

The parallel universe where San Diego's Channel 4, KVWN

leads the way in quality television reporting followed ever

so closely by Wes Mantooth of Channel 9, KQHS is a frighteningly

convincing mirror house of fun. The odd quirks of the Channel

4 news team fit right in. Like four musketeers, Burgundy and

company cut a wide swath as they make their way towards the

next big story. In this first installment, of what could become

a national obsession, the story is about pandas.

Oversexed, in a bad way, the newsmen of this movie are the

true menace to society. They are thick-skulled, delusional,

and just a tad egocentric. In other words, America loves them!

Will Ferrell has zoned in on this nation's funny bone

and hit it very hard with one of those wooden spoons you cook

with or stir things up with in the kitchen.

My only complaint, the one that kept this instant classic

from beating out "Citizen Kane" as the greatest film

ever made about the news business, was the tele-prompter gag

that could have been played for big laughs, but was buried

on page six. Maybe they're saving that one for the sequel.

That's the one where women's brains grow to the same

size as mens and they try to take over the media. But they

don't because they're women. "It's science."

Much of what makes "Anchorman" so hilarious is it's

stunted views of life from thirty years ago. Could we really

have changed that much? Been that squirrely? Worn those colors?

Apparently so!

I've already said too much about what lies in wait for

those going to see the legend that is, of course, Ron Burgundy.

This movie will make you laugh, alot. "It's science." Then

when you come out of the theatre, you begin to cry like you

are "in a glass case of emotion."

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