1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Release Date: July 9, 2004

Director: Adam McKay

Non Will Ferrell Cast: Steve Carrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Chris Parnell, Fred Willard, Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Seth Rogen, Tim Robbins, Ben Stiller.

First Saw It: Opening Weekend.

Why I Love It: I remember having very low expectations going into this film. However, at the time, I had just broken up with my college girlfriend and spent the entire day buying a new car, with my parents in tow. So yes, I was stressed and depressed. From the opening scene to the closing credits, I laughed so hard I fallen out of my seat, was crying and my ribs hurt. It was a painfully hilarious film. Ever single thing about this film is perfect. Every line is crackling with hilarity, every look, every location, every horrible costume, every piece of set is perfectly placed and perfectly hilarious. I’ve seen this film easily 100 times in the 11 years since its release and in no way is that a bad thing.

Signature Ferrell Moment: This whole movie is a signature Will Ferrell Moment. Let’s just look at these quotes…

“I love scotch. Scotchy scotch scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly.”

“Oh, I can barely lift my right arm ’cause I did so many. I don’t know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand.”

“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means ‘a whale’s vagina.’”

“It’s terrible. She has beautiful eyes, and her hair smells like cinnamon!”

“Baxter, is that you? Baxter! Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee.”

“Well if you were a man, I’d punch you. Punch you right in the mouth.”

“I’m very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.”

“The human torch was denied a bank loan.”

“It’s so damn hot. Milk was a bad choice.”

“What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole wheel of cheese? How’d you do that? Heck, I’m not even mad; that’s amazing.”

“Don’t act like you’re not impressed.”

“I’m in a glass case of emotion!”

“You know I don’t speak Spanish.”

“Great story. Compelling, and rich.”

“Brian, I’m gonna be honest with you, that smells like pure gasoline.”

“It’s a formidable scent… It stings the nostrils. In a good way.”

“I know that one day Veronica and I are gonna to get married on top of a mountain, and there’s going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then our children will form a family band. And we will tour the countryside and you won’t be invited.”

“I’m not a baby, I am a man. I am an anchorman.”

Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I’ve just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you’re doing and listen…Cannonball!”

“Stay classy, San Diego.”

And the list goes on. You could quote this movie for days, and you should. –Bill Bodkin

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