Chasing the Checkered Flag
Farrell Finds Comedy in Racing Saga
If Will Ferrell thinks there is comedy gold in a story about a NASCAR race driver, I'm willing to believe him. After seeing him send up local television anchors in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, I believe he could make it funny to watch paint dry. In Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Ferrell and director Adam McKay make the story of one man and his passion for speed the subject of a high-octane laugh riot.
Written by: Will Farrell & Adam McKay
Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Gary Cole, Jane Lynch, and Michael Clarke Duncan
Rated
(for
crude and sexual humor, language, drug references and brief comic violence)Running time: 105 min.
FilmGuru's Rating : 8 out of 10.
The patented Ferrell comedy is in overdrive with Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Ricky Bobby (Ferrell) was born to race. From his birth and throughout his childhood, he seemed destined for the racing circuit. While working in a pit crew in NASCAR, Ricky gets the chance of a lifetime and becomes a racing legend.
Ricky's number two man is Cal (John C. Reilly), his best friend since childhood and the constant runner-up in their races. The chemistry between Cal and Ricky provides a great comedy pairing. Reilly and Ferrell seem to be having a very good time (if the outtakes at the end of the film are any indication).
Years later, after becoming rich with racing trophies and endorsement deals, Ricky is confronted by competition from Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). Girard is a Formula One racer from Europe hired to bring the racing team its first tournament victory. The two men compete on the course, and Ricky has an accident that ruins his career.
Ricky finds himself out of work, broke, and his wife Carley (Leslie Bibb) leaves him for the new number one man in racing, his best friend, Cal. It's the start of a downward spiral that throws Ricky into despair. This isn't some sappy inspirational story, however. The story is one of pure comedy and some wonderful characters.
After his accident, Ricky's absentee father, Reese (Gary Cole), tries to help him overcome his fear so he can once again be a great driver. These sessions -- often disastrous, but very funny -- are some of the best bits in the movie. His mother (Jane Lynch), meanwhile, takes to the task of reforming Ricky's out-of-control sons.
The film is filled with some great dialogue, memorable lines, and outrageous comedy. While Ferrell's particular brand of humor may not be for everyone, in my opinion he's the best mainstream comic to hit the big screen in years. Be sure to stay through all the credits to see an additional scene with Lynch and Ricky's sons.
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