Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby does suffer from movie trailer disease, but I believe that it does an overall good job at entertaining. I was expecting a little more, but overall Will Ferrell delivers. Ferrell has the ability to play a complete moron in such a believable way it is outstanding. I cannot wait to see him in a dramatic role or a serious interview — I am sure the guy has to be pretty intelligent.
Ricky Bobby prays only to baby Jesus; he doesn't have a problem if you want to pray to bearded Jesus, but he chooses to pray only to baby Jesus. I find this highly amusing, and feel that I should follow it. I'm going to pray only to baby Jesus from now on, too.
The story gets an interesting twist as a French Formula One driver sponsored by Perrier enters the NASCAR world. All the French jokes you have ever heard before are wrapped into one character, and surprisingly it entertains. Ricky Bobby has to recover from an accident, more mentally than physically.
The racing and special effects all looked spectacular. It is obvious that NASCAR was on board with the movie, even though I admit that more driver cameos would have been better. Maybe because I don't know much about NASCAR and I only recognized Dale Earnhardt, Jr. there were a lot more cameos that I missed. Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile, Daredevil) does an excellent job with this comedy and continues to impress me as an actor.
The movie was entertaining, and overall worth the price of the movie ticket. Don't worry too much if you have to wait for it on DVD — it should still make you laugh then.
Warning: This is not a movie to take your kids to; it's rated PG-13, and as tempting as it might be to take your kids if you've seen Ferrell in Elf, be mindful of the crude and sexual humor, language, and drug references.
Article comments
1 - Ty
I am surprised you called out Michael Clarke Duncan and not Sasha Baron Cohen (Ali G / Borat).
I think Cohen steals the show with his portrayal of the french rival.
2 - melissa
Hey, anyone have a list of all the diffent types of Jesus in the film?