In 1985, a little boy of eight years old, named John Bennett, struggles to make friends. One Christmas, he receives a Teddy bear and wishes that he could speak. A shooting star grants his wish, and his Teddy bear talks to him. They plan to be best friends forever.

Twenty-seven years go by. John and his bear, now called Ted, are getting high. John realizes that he is late for work. So, Ted gives him a ride.

At his job, John is given a hard time by his boss about being late too much. His girlfriend for four years, Lori, also wants him to move on from Ted.

John is resistant to the idea of having Ted move out. But after Ted invites a bunch of women over, and one of them relieves herself on the floor, John feels more persuaded about not living with Ted.

He has Ted go for a job interview at the grocery store. Ted doesn’t want the job. But he gets hired.

Despite not wanting the job at first, Ted falls in love with his coworker, Tami-Lynn. He even brings her on a double date with John and Lori, which, unfortunately, does not go well.

Later, John attends a work party. Ted calls him and tells him that he’s hosting a party where one of the guests brought Sam J. Jones. John resists going since he is on probation at work. But Ted successfully convinces him. John makes up an excuse to leave, where Lori got “bitten by a dog.”

He spends time at Ted’s event. However, Lori catches him there and dumps him. She starts dating her coworker, Rex.

John runs away to a hotel. Ted tries to talk to him. But John says something that angers Ted to the point where he beats him up. Yet the two reconcile.

John tries to win Lori back by singing for her at a Nora Jones concert. Even though it embarrasses her, Lori eventually returns to being in a relationship with him.

However, Ted ends up being kidnapped by a mean man, Donny, and his spoiled son, Robert.

This movie cracked me up a lot. After all, it was directed by the same person who created Family Guy, Seth McFarlane. He also did the voice of Ted, who sounded and acted a lot like Peter Griffin, the main character in Family Guy.

There were a lot of funny moments. But perhaps the best one was the “Thunder Buddies” song John and Ted sang together.

I also admire the design and animation of Ted. He moves like how a toy would in real life if it were alive.

As with many movies, the characterization is strong. I love both John’s relationships between Ted and Lori. They both come off as sweet and realistic.

The plot was strong since its morals taught the audience that we sometimes need to give things up to move forward in life. And even though it starts off like a cute family-friendly movie about a boy’s Christmas wish, this film is NOT appropriate for kids. It is rated R for language, intense intimacy, substance abuse, and even brief nudity.

But for anyone 17 or over, I think Ted would make a fantastic and hilarious watch. It is fast-paced, as well, with twists and turns.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.