'Talladega Nights' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Holly · 08-07-2006, 06:31 AM

Give Will Ferrell this: When he targets a profession for screen humor, he certainly does his research.

The “Saturday Night Live” alumnus clearly did that for the television-news business a couple of summers ago with “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” and now, he proves his knowledge of -- and affection for -- the world of NASCAR racing with “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

The everyman quality Ferrell possesses is invaluable in letting the uninitiated into whatever environment he deals with in his comedies, and as popular as auto racing is now, many people still may be unfamiliar with the specifics. In its own way, “Talladega Nights” is somewhat educational about the factors that drivers and their colleagues in the pit face as they go about their duties on the track.

Of course, “Talladega Nights” ultimately is meant to be more amusing than informational, and it is. Ricky Bobby (played, naturally, by Ferrell) gets his big chance at glory when a scheduled driver is otherwise occupied. His prowess behind the wheel makes him an overnight sensation, and he basks in all the perks of being a NASCAR star, admired by men and craved by women including the one (Leslie Bibb, “Crossing Jordan”) who becomes his wife.

But the bottom is destined to drop out for Ricky, and when it does, it does so in a really big way. An accident helps create an opportunity for a French rival (Sasha Baron Cohen) to drive through and knock Ricky out of the top spot among racers, and it's a long course that our hero must follow to reclaim his standing.

Not only is Ferrell fun to watch in “Talladega Nights,” he's cast the rest of the picture very smartly. Reliable character actor John C. Reilly (“Chicago,” “The Perfect Storm”) is enjoyable as Ricky's main cohort, and recent Oscar nominee Amy Adams (“Junebug”), imposing Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) and an appropriately smug Gary Cole (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) also have their moments.

In the end, though, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” sinks or swims on Will Ferrell ... and he's simply too smart a humorist to let it sink. He's done his homework and it shows, but he also has a genuine appreciation for what he's spoofing. That's the key to making “Talladega Nights” the fun ride it is.

(Rated PG-13)

08-07-2006, 06:31 AM	#1
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748	'Talladega Nights' Give Will Ferrell this: When he targets a profession for screen humor, he certainly does his research. The “Saturday Night Live” alumnus clearly did that for the television-news business a couple of summers ago with “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” and now, he proves his knowledge of -- and affection for -- the world of NASCAR racing with “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” The everyman quality Ferrell possesses is invaluable in letting the uninitiated into whatever environment he deals with in his comedies, and as popular as auto racing is now, many people still may be unfamiliar with the specifics. In its own way, “Talladega Nights” is somewhat educational about the factors that drivers and their colleagues in the pit face as they go about their duties on the track. Of course, “Talladega Nights” ultimately is meant to be more amusing than informational, and it is. Ricky Bobby (played, naturally, by Ferrell) gets his big chance at glory when a scheduled driver is otherwise occupied. His prowess behind the wheel makes him an overnight sensation, and he basks in all the perks of being a NASCAR star, admired by men and craved by women including the one (Leslie Bibb, “Crossing Jordan”) who becomes his wife. But the bottom is destined to drop out for Ricky, and when it does, it does so in a really big way. An accident helps create an opportunity for a French rival (Sasha Baron Cohen) to drive through and knock Ricky out of the top spot among racers, and it's a long course that our hero must follow to reclaim his standing. Not only is Ferrell fun to watch in “Talladega Nights,” he's cast the rest of the picture very smartly. Reliable character actor John C. Reilly (“Chicago,” “The Perfect Storm”) is enjoyable as Ricky's main cohort, and recent Oscar nominee Amy Adams (“Junebug”), imposing Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) and an appropriately smug Gary Cole (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) also have their moments. In the end, though, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” sinks or swims on Will Ferrell ... and he's simply too smart a humorist to let it sink. He's done his homework and it shows, but he also has a genuine appreciation for what he's spoofing. That's the key to making “Talladega Nights” the fun ride it is. (Rated PG-13)