Anchorman is set in the loud decade of the 1970’s, in a world where local TV news reined supreme and one anchorman stood above the rest. Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is the best of the best as anchor for the number one news station in San Diego, California. That is until Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) arrives on the scene and turns his world upside down. Ron is instantly blown away by this intelligent blonde beauty who dreams of infiltrating the all boys club of anchoring.
After hearing that Burgundy’s new team has, once again, made it to the top of the ratings, Ron encounters Ms. Corningstone at a pool party he is hosting. Women are at the mercy of his animal magnetism and success. Ron Burgundy mirrors Burt Reynolds in his prime with a full head of hair and sprouting a caterpillar of a mustache. However, Veronica resists his charms while he compliments her ample physique. Deflecting his advances as she walks off into the night only heightens his interest. The party ends and as Ron prepares for bed we notice his softer side as he shows sweet affection for his dog, Baxter. They go to sleep in matching pajamas sharing the same bed.
Ron’s trusty news crew consists of Brian Fontana (a heavily mustachioed Paul Rudd), sports reporter Champ Kind (David Koechner), and dimwitted weatherman Brick Tamland (Steven Carell). Ron’s co-workers bask in his overpowering appeal and follow his lead wherever it may take them. These men comprise the number one rated news crew, which is ironic once you see them struggle at work or trying to interact with others.
Unbeknownst to Ron, Veronica has accepted a job at his news station. Veronica is forced to fend off catcalls and attempts by the male staff to sleep with her. Veronica does accept an invitation from Ron to see the sites of San Diego her new home, but only as colleagues. On this occasion we get to see Ron’s charm that more than makes up for his lack of intellect, as displayed at a bar lounge with a flute. Underneath all the overflowing testosterone is a man looking for love.
Things are moving along swimmingly until her quest to be a news anchor and his pride to remain number one clash head on. Things become contentious between them and this is when the story really takes off as they spar and try to sabotage one another to comical effect.
Will Ferrell excels in the role of Ron Burgundy as he finds a way to combine male bravado with tenderness and vulnerability. He can make an obvious gag funnier simply by the intonation of his voice or a look he shoots ...
