Since the advent of the critical essay, a particular problem has always faced the author in review of movies or plays or books: how to communicate that a work is worthwhile and what in particular lends the work said merit without giving anything away. Movie trailers have ruined more than one movie by including all of the funny parts. Some writers will tie an entire review to the “big moment” in whatever narrative they’re discussing, necessitating a reveal.

So let me save you the trouble up front: The Other Guys is really funny, and few (if any) of the truly great bits are in the trailers. I’m not going to explain anything about the plot, since you know what you need to know already from the promotional materials. I will say that I hurt myself laughing, and that this movie is two of my favorite kinds of comedy: a borderline surreal universe similar to Airplane!, and a movie that makes a larger point without ever getting heavy-handed or sacrificing humor. Continue Reading »