Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
The story of a man who could only count to #1
| Year: | 2006 |
| Running Time: | |
| Aspect Ratio: | Unknown |
| Certificate: |
– Under 12s admitted only with an adult |
| Subtitles: | The level of subtitling in this film is unknown to WSC |
| Directed by | Unknown |
| Starring: | Unknown |
Described as a film that is “silly, funny and awesome”, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a film that will not fail to make you laugh. A must-see for Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen fans. Both produce fine performances, with Baron Cohen stealing the show and Ferrell proving yet again that he is a very capable leading man. McKay, who has also directed comedy classics such as Anchorman, entertains us until the very end.
NASCAR stock car racing sensation Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is a national hero because of his "win at all costs" approach. He either wins, or wrecks his car trying. More often than not, he wins. He's living the perfect world. He's got a hot wife who loves his earning potential; he has two beautiful sons named Walker and Texas Ranger. He and his loyal racing partner, childhood friend Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo - known as "Shake" and "Bake" by their fans for their ability to finish so many races in the #1 and #2 positions, with Cal always in second place. When flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) challenges "Shake" and "Bake" for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.
The film is peppered with unexpected, hilarious asides like when Ricky Bobby stops down to discuss why he likes little baby Christmas Jesus better than the traditional adult one. The character of Ricky Bobby himself - "a big, crazy, hairy American winning machine" - is perfect for Ferrell since he's more than just a springboard for the gags. Ferrell turns in a brilliant performance as a comic actor, making this character convincing even in his most insane moments. As a result, the biggest laughs occur off the track as Ricky tracks down his hobo drifter dad (Cole), whose “if you're not first, you're last” philosophy haunts Bobby throughout the film.
A funny, no-brainer film, packed with hilarious events and unforgettable one-liners, it's a must-see!
Victoria Galloway
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