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'Talladega' an extremely funny movie
Movie Review: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
By Kevin McQuarn
kmcquarn@theadvocate.com
Online Entertainment Editor
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“Talladega Nights” is the story of NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell), who after a rather embarrassing breakdown on the track finds himself out of work and staying with his mom. To get his mojo back and take his rightful place as the superstar of stock car racing, Bobby must first conquer both the fear within and the series of deadly traps his dad (Gary Cole) has concocted to help him.
There were eight things that made “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” a truly hysterically tasteless comedy.
1. Will Ferrell in his underwear. Any man who runs around in his skivvies spouting Tom Cruise references while beating himself to douse imaginary flames would probably be pretty funny. However, in the case of Ferrell, it takes a really special man to make this an art form.
2. A gay, French NASCAR driver as the villain. I really doubt any more detail is needed for this one. Just picture a lot of wet lips and bad accents.
3. Knife play. Stabbing yourself in the leg is never funny, unless, of course, you’re Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby character. Then it’s absolutely hysterical. Actually, the funniest part was how his friends got the knife out. Ouch!
4. Foul mouth kids. Ricky Bobby’s sons Walker (Houston Tumlin) and Texas Ranger (Grayson Russell) were great. These kids were foul-mannered and completely out of control. With that said, they not only stole every scene in which they appeared, they also served as prime examples as to why spankings are still sometimes necessary.
5. Confessions. It’s amazing what personal tidbits people share about themselves when they think no one else is listening or, in the case of Ricky Bobby, possibly in a coma. Suffice it to say, I will never see Michael Clarke Duncan or Donna Summers in the same light.
6. Strange Rallying Cry. Every great cause needs a battle cry. President Bush had “Let’s Roll.” Buzz Lightyear had “To Infinity and Beyond.” Ricky Bobby and his partner Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly) had “Shake and Bake.”
7. Riding with a cougar. Reese Bobby, Ricky Bobby’s father, tried to help his son get back into the racing game by putting a live cougar in his car. There is nothing that calms your fears more than driving with an animal that can take your head off with a swipe of its claws.
8. Outtakes. The outtakes in this film were hilarious. At times, I couldn’t tell how much of the dialogue was scripted and how much the actors made up as they went along. Either way, if you can spare a few minutes after the film, they are well worth the wait.
Overall, the producers took Will Ferrell and gave him license to make fun of one of the most mocked and followed sports in America today. Fortunately, it all worked out for the best.
If you’re a diehard NASCAR fans, grab your No. 24 hat and your Dupont t-shirt and head to the theater for the thrill ride you’ve been waiting for.
