Movie Night: 'Ted' May Be Crude, But Still Has Magic

Has Seth MacFarlane created something original? Or is Ted simply an extended episode of The Family Guy? And does it matter either way?

MacFarlane certainly stayed close to home for his directorial debut with Ted, bringing in most of the cast and crew from The Family Guy television series he created. MacFarlane knows his audience well enough and respects them enough to not ignore the similarities. He even pokes fun at it, with the cuddly yet crude Ted comparing himself to The Family Guy patriarch.

Yes, the humor is crude, even disgusting, but there is still a certain charming connection between a man who never grows up and his beloved stuffed teddy bear that came to life with one childhood wish.

The basic theme is tried and true: John (Mark Wahlberg) must choose between his childhood dreams and his adult responsibilities. On one hand, he has Ted, his best friend since he was 7 years old. For more than 20 years, they've partied together and lived like a couple of frat boys. On the other hand, there's his girlfriend (Mila Kunis) who is looking for a commitment from John after four years together.

It's a tough choice for John, but that's what it means to be an adult sometimes.

The great sin of Ted is that it revives the memory of Flash Gordon with Sam Jones, one of the worst movies ever made. "So bad it's good?" No, Flash Gordon was just really bad.

Fortunately, Ted is a lot better.

Here's a look at what's showing in local movie theaters beginning Friday:

Lark Theater

Friday:

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted: 5:45 p.m.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: 8 p.m.

Saturday:

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted: 3:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: 8 p.m.

Sunday:

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted: 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: 7 p.m.

Century Cinema Corte Madera

The Amazing Spider-Man: 10 a.m.

The Amazing Spider-Man (3D): 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Century Larkspur Landing

Magic Mike: 5:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 10:20 p.m.

Ted: 5:25 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:35 p.m.

Brave: 5 p.m., 10:10 p.m.

Brave (3D): 7:30 p.m.

Moonrise Kingdom: 7:15 p.m., 9:40 p.m.