Moving away from Ted’s tiring and prehistoric gender dynamic (mostly), Ted 2 introduces a more inspiring goal…freedom. Comparing Ted’s plight to slavery is of course ridiculous, and MacFarlane treads this line knowingly and carefully.

Elsewhere his script is less circumspect, relying on the crude language, shock tactics and stereotypes that he’s renowned for. Yes, some of the jokes are offensive – or worse, not funny – but mostly the humour is playful, exuberant and often hilarious.

Wahlberg is a little underused, but Amanda Seyfried is excellent, and the evidence is mounting that MacFarlane is a much better actor when he’s not on screen.

It’s odd to see such a mix of merciless humour and heartfelt schmaltz, but somehow it works in this riotous return to form for MacFarlane.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson

DIRECTOR: Seth MacFarlane

WRITERS: Seth MacFarlane, Alan Sulkin, Wellesley Wild

SYNOPSIS: Newlywed couple Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he’s a person in a court of law.