I wasn't sure what to expect from this flick and to be honest, from outer appearances, I wasn't too hopeful. Considering I wasn't particularly looking forward to it, I guess it was better than I thought because it was at least watchable.

The Other Guys was written and directed by Written and directed by Adam McKay (Step Brothers) and it basically fits into the comedy genre. It introduces us to two bad-ass NYPD detectives, Danson and Highsmith (played by Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson respectively). In contrast to their idolisation are two 'other guys', Allen Gamble and Terry Hoitz (Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg respectively); they're detectives, but don't get the good stuff, they're not known or recognised, and they certainly don't have the heroic status of Danson and Highsmith.

As the saying goes, every dog has its day, and the two 'other guys' find an opportunity to step up and make a name for themselves to prove they can do more than push papers. The two unlikely detectives almost bumble their way in to a case, but it's no ordinary case. It's a big one, and one that comes with its own danger of being a huge crime within New York. The question for the rest of the film is thus whether or not the pair have what it takes to break the case.

The plot isn't anything too original, but it has some depth to make it interesting. I liked the sense of competition between the different levels of detectives, as it's something a lot of people can identify with. Gamble & Hoitz are sick of being mocked and being made to feel so inferior, so the take the case with gusto, whatever it takes to not simply be 'the other guys' for much longer. To prove just how little their trusted, and how incompetent they're perceived to be, Gamble's gun is taken away and replaced with a wooden one. Now, if that's not a very embarrassing kick in the face then I don't know what is.

I liked some of the comedic value, though I've never been a particularly big fan of Ferrell. I find his style quite slapstick in a sense, and the 'humour' is laid on with a small trowel for his character. I guess he's one of those like him or hate him kind of guys. Unfortunately, I tend towards the latter. Wahlberg, however, was watchable and funny enough to pull the 'other guys' up a notch. The film on a whole had a good tempo, just enough to include action with tongue-in-cheek comedy and sarcasm. There wasn't anything too complicated to have to follow so you can just sit back and enjoy some general stupidity and nonsense from these guys.

Other fairly big names in the cast include Eva Mendes (Dr Gamble, surprisingly Allen's very attractive wife) and Steve Coogan. The cast and script, along with the overall feel to the film, gave The Other Guys more credibility and so I would recommend this if you like quite silly humour that doesn't push it too far in to the 'over the top pathetic' category. The script was actually quite strong, with some good quips that were sharp and memorable. Ferrell wouldn't get a big thumbs up from me, but other than that, it makes for easy viewing when you're in the mood for something light yet active.

Selling on amazon for £4.29, released 2011
Running time 103 minutes, rated certificate 12