Oddly enough, there’s a very violent scene that is somehow supposed to be funny, where rival news teams fight like modern gangs. Several get stabbed and one has his arm sliced off in a gruesome shot. This is where my dear friend Mr. Stiller makes his appearance, but not to be outdone in retarded comedy cameos, he is joined by other comics du jour like Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Tim Robbins also makes an uncredited appearance. Owen Wilson was not in attendance, however – which is odd. I didn’t know they allowed Ben to make movies without Owen. 

There’s a strong feminist message about how terrible women were treated before they became equals (or almost equals) in the business world – which is probably true – as well as a really vicious jab at President Bush and his administration. Mostly, however, “Anchorman” is an R-rated SNL skit that goes on for 90 long minutes. I say R-rated because that’s what the Motion Picture Association of America slapped it with, until Ferrell and McKay took out just enough to get it to PG-13. Like most films with this rating, however, it’s pure R, including lots of profanities, obscenities and even one f-word.

If you find yourself howling with laughter throughout “Saturday Night Live” skits every weekend, then you’ll really bust a gut with this one. Be sure to take your whoopee cushion to the theatre. Otherwise, bypass this like a white polyester suit.

Meanwhile, if you see Ben Stiller, tell him I know what he’s up to.