Fresh from starring in hilarious comedies “Old School” & “Elf,” Will Ferrell (one of my favorite actors) collaborated with his former business partner, Adam McKay (Step Brothers, The Other Guys) to develop a comedy known as, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Set in the 70s satirizing sexism in the workplace environment. Will plays the titular character who gets a reality check when a female news reporter climbs the ladder. Anchorman became an instant classic as one of the best (if not the best) comedies of all time thanks to its memorable dialogue, surreal moments and Steve Carrell’s character, Brick Tamland spouting non-sequiturs.
Anyway, Will & Adam collaborated for the second time working on a sports comedy about a cocky NASCAR driver named, Ricky Bobby. After a French Formula One driver defeats him, Ricky seeks to reclaim his fame and fortune. The basic plot I’m referring to is none other than “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
Released in 2006, (same year The Prestige came out) Ricky Bobby earned positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it also made enough money at the box office. As you may know, recent Oscar-winner, Christopher Nolan (my hero) confirmed Ricky Bobby as one of his favorite movies. He’s got good taste. In honor of winning “Best Director” and “Best Picture” for “Oppenheimer” beating Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” I wanna share my thoughts on one of my favorite comedies.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. Many of us are familiar with Ricky Bobby quotes and became memes online.
First & Last Aspects
First: Will Ferrell did a funny as heck job as the titular character. He also co-wrote the script with Adam McKay.
Other Cast Members such as John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, (also one of my favorite actors) Michael Clarke Duncan, David Koechner, Jack McBrayer, Andy Richter, Gary Cole & Jane Lynch all did superb job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact 1: Before he made it big, John C. Reilly was in another NASCAR related movie, “Days of Thunder.”
Fun Fact 2: A then-unknown Amy Adams appears as a friend of Ricky. She eventually made it as an A-Lister in “Enchanted.”
Adam McKay did a solid job directing.
Judd Apatow served as a producer. Back when he didn’t lose credibility.
Humor contains funny as heck moments. My favorite joke is the part when Ricky thinks he’s on fire. Ten times funnier than these unfunny 2006 comedies. Boy, do they stink!
- Air Buddies
- Big Momma’s House 2
- Date Movie
- Deck the Halls
- Employee of the Month
- Failure to Launch
- Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties
- High School Musical
- Madea’s Family Reunion
- Material Girls
- My Super Ex-Girlfriend
- Little Man
- RV
- Scary Movie 4
- The Break-Up
- The Pink Panther
- The Shaggy Dog
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
- You, Me and Dupree
- Zoom
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues.
Unforgettable memorable dialogue. I can name a couple lines.
- If you ain’t first, you’re last.
- Dear lord baby Jesus.
- Yep, I’m flying through the air this is not good. (my number one quote)
- Wow, I feel like I’m in Highlander!
- Shake and Bake!
- If you don’t chew Big Red, then F*** you!
- It won the Academy Award for best movie ever made.
- Break it, Pepe Le Pew!
- Help me, Tom Cruise!
Mos Def, Elvis Costello, as well as pro NASCAR drivers, Dale Earnardt Jr. & Jeff Gordon make cameo appearances as themselves.
Unlike Pixar’s “Cars” ripping off the plot from “Doc Hollywood,” Ricky Bobby tells an original story.
I’m giving Ricky credit for introducing me to “Highlander.”
Ricky calls a cougar, Karen. He coined the term before TikTok existed. Ricky’s way ahead of his time.
Near the end, Ricky’s new slogan is “El Diablo.” He claims it’s Spanish for “A fighting chicken.” Perhaps, Mac Miller (Rest in Peace) was inspired by a song named after El Diablo.
End Credits features outtakes. You can tell Will and the crew are having a good time.
A Post-Credits Scene is optional.
Product Placement is played for laughs. Especially when Ricky thanks the lord for various brands for dinner.
Last: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby remains as one of my favorite comedies. It still holds up. Which sports comedies are your favorites? Mine are “The Longest Yard” 2005, “The Waterboy,” “The Benchwarmers,” “Happy Gilmore” & “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 