Talladega Nights Movie Review

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is just the goofy, popcorn movie the summer of 2006 needs in order to end on a high note. It’s also exactly the movie Will Ferrell fans want – make that deserve - it to be. Talladega Nights is Anchorman but set in the world of NASCAR racing. Ferrell, who’s been hit and miss recently (Kicking and Screaming didn’t win him any new fans), captures the checkered flag with his starring turn as a man who can’t count past one.

A check-your-brain-at-the-door comedy, Talladega Nights is the story of champion NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby. Ricky grew up adhering to the motto ‘if you’re not first, you’re last,’ something taught to him by his beer-guzzling dad. In his wasted state, Reese Bobby (Cole) could have just as easily come up with any other pearls of wisdom before deserting his wife and young son, and Ricky Bobby would have taken it as gospel. Left with nothing much to remember his dad by except the advice to finish first, Ricky takes his pop’s words to heart and devotes his entire life to coming out on top.

After a stint in the pit crew of lackadaisical driver Terry Cheveaux (played by co-writer/director Adam McKay), Ricky Bobby quickly becomes one of the sports top drivers. With Cal Naughton Jr (John C Reilly) helping to ensure his spot at the front of the pack, Ricky’s got the racing world on a string. Unfortunately for Ricky Bobby, his string snaps when a gay French Formula One racer named Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) enters the scene and challenges Ricky’s place on the track.

While the premise of a gay French guy taking on a red-blooded, All-American NASCAR racer in and of itself is funny, that’s not all Talladega Nights has going for it. This movie’s packed with bits - some not entirely connected to the story, but worthy of a chuckle nonetheless. From a dinner table discussion about praying to Baby Jesus, to Ferrell running around like a madman in just his underwear (what is it with this guy and tidy whities?), Talladega Nights speeds through gags at a pace Ricky Bobby would be envious of.

The film really hits the gas when Cohen and Ferrell square off. Cohen so easily could have taken the French accent over the edge yet he never goes too far. When the two stand nose-to-nose (literally), it’s absolutely hysterical. Cohen and Ferrell shout insults at each other, drowning out what the other’s saying. An intricate comedic dance, the nose-to-nose scene is one of the film's high points.

That face-off between the snotty Formula One racer and the down-and-dirty NASCAR champion works on multiple levels. The use of a gay Frenchman who loves Albert Camus novels, jazz, and sipping macchiato while zooming around the race course embodies characteristics you’d never associate with NASCAR and its fans. The Talladega Nights creators aren’t afraid to poke fun at the lifestyle, but Will Ferrell and Adam McKay know which side their bread is buttered on and make sure the film also pays tribute to NASCAR.

Another huge plus for the Ferrell-fueled film are strong performances by every single member of the cast. John C Reilly’s never been better and as Ferrell’s dopey sidekick, he easily keeps comedic pace with the veteran funnyman. Ferrell and Reilly’s buddy chemistry works extremely well; it’s easy to believe these guys have been friends for decades.

Talladega Nights is great escapist entertainment and one of the year’s best comedies. Ferrell is hitting on all cylinders and, with the support of a first-rate cast, this NASCAR-based comedy is actually a spirited take on the popular sport. Racing fans and those with no interest in watching cars circle a track should get a kick out of Talladega Nights.

Grade: B+

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was directed by Adam McKay and is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, language, drug references and brief comic violence.

***Be sure to stay for the credits***