Parents' Guide to Ted 2

Movie R 2015 115 minutes
Ted 2 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson By Jeffrey M. Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Vulgar little bear is back, with big ideas and crude humor.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Parents say this film is a mix of hilarious moments and crude humor, appealing mainly to teenagers and adults due to its strong language, sexual innuendos, and drug references. While some find it entertaining and suitable for older kids, many believe it is inappropriate for younger viewers, urging caution before allowing children to watch.

  • funny moments
  • crude humor
  • age recommendation
  • mixed reviews
  • inappropriate content
Summarized with AI

age 14+

Based on 34 kid reviews

Kids say that this sequel has plenty of crude humor and excessive swearing, making it less enjoyable than the original. While some viewers appreciate the comedic elements and the heartwarming themes, most agree that it's not suitable for children due to strong sexual content and drug references.

  • crude humor
  • excessive swearing
  • not for children
  • heartwarming themes
  • less enjoyable sequel
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

After the events of Ted, Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), marries the love of his life, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). But when they try to adopt a child, the government becomes aware that Ted isn't technically a real person. He loses his job and all his personal documents, and his marriage is annulled. So he and best pal, John (Mark Wahlberg), hire a lawyer -- the pretty, pot-smoking Samantha (Amanda Seyfried) -- to contest the situation as a civil rights violation. John (who's now divorced) becomes attracted to Samantha along the way. But it's not an easy fight, and the trio must head to New York for reinforcements. Unfortunately, the creepy Donny (Giovanni Ribisi) has cooked up another evil plan to get a Ted of his own.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 22 ):
Kids say ( 34 ):

When Ted first came out, it surprised audiences by being touching as well as funny; the sequel one ups it by being funny and touching and boasting some big ideas. Written and directed by MacFarlane, TED 2 is extremely vulgar, filled with foul language and sexual innuendo, but it's not mean-spirited. It goes for comic rhythm rather than shock value, and the humor rises from the characters, their friendships, and their personalities.

True to MacFarlane's previous works, it's still filled with pop culture references, but they're much cleverer than usual; they're worked into the fabric of the well-structured story rather than just haphazardly dropped in. But the real extra touch here is the film's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington-like sense of social justice. There are impassioned speeches about civil rights, which are clearly meant to mirror (and comment upon) current political conversations. In other words, Ted 2 is smarter than the average summer comedy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Ted 2's strong sexual content. Why is sex so funny to these characters? How much sexual content in media is OK for kids?

  • Why do these characters drink and use drugs so frequently? Are they doing it for enjoyment or from need? What are the real-life consequences of substance use/abuse? Are those consequences clear in the movie?

  • Do you think that Ted qualifies as a person? What are the qualities of a real person? Does he or she need to be a role model? What are some other groups who, past or present, have sought equal rights in our society?

  • How did you feel about the bullies in the movie? Are they funny? Mean?

Movie Details

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