Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
So yet again I’ve become backlogged with my movie posting. So let’s get started. First up Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
At the moment this is the number one movie in America, thanks largely to Anchorman (an overrated movie in my opinion). And as much as I love Will Ferrell, and as much as it pains me to say it, neither movie deserves the hype and praise they get. Yes, they are both funny, yes Ferrell is comically gifted. However, he can’t headline a movie. He’s a great supporting actor, or even co-star, but not a solo headliner. He’s just too over the top to pull it off.
That being said let me get to the actual movie. The plotline is there, but the story is sort of missing. Much like Nacho Libre, this isn’t a movie so much as it is a series of loosely sewn together scenes of Will Ferrell being Will Ferrell. As my mother said at the end of the movie, the outtakes in the credits were the funniest part, and it’s true. Then again almost the whole movie seems to be one long outtake.
So I know I may be rather critical (overly critical?), but when something is this highly hyped and highly regarded I feel the need to bring some people back down to Earth. If something is presented to me as gold, then I hold it up to higher standards. The people making Tokyo Drift knew it was going to be close to shit (at least I hope they didn't think they were making something special), hence it's not held to such high standards. I’m not trying to say that this movie wasn’t funny, because it was. True the credits were the best part, but there were plenty of other funny moments along the way. Unfortunately you’ve probably already seen about half of them in the previews. And while the story is just absent, most movie goers now a days don’t seem to mind. Why else would they keep making movies like that?
If you’re looking for a ridiculous stupid comedy, that will make you laugh, or if you’re just a diehard Ferrell fan, then this movie will definitely be for you. Personally though, I’d just suggest you rent Anchorman, or better yet, 40-Year Old Virgin.
RATING: Worth a Dollar Theatre Ticket, Worth a Netflix (maybe actual rental if you're seriously into Will Ferrell)