Apparently, all the big Summer movies have come out already, because we're finally in the time frame where movies like "Step Up" can be released. While this film has been given a glowing review by Kevin Smith, it's not like the entire world is going to laud it as the next Godfather (or even the next Dirty Dancing) any time soon. What I'm trying to say is that the Summer movie stock is wearing thin. Very thin.
Even so, it doesn't mean that we're done seeing movies.
Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby is already almost two weeks old, but we managed to see it this past weekend as it is on our "must-see" list for the year. The memorable laughs of Anchorman do make this movie more enticing than other comedies, where one expects not just laughs, but belly-bursting guffaws from moment to moment. Was it all that we had expected?
Personally, I found it to be slightly less funny than Anchorman. Although the story has more focus than the uproarious Legend of Ron Burgundy, it somehow detracts from the overall humor of the film. Would you believe it if I didn't say so? I doubt anyone actually believes me about that now.
Well, the message of the movie remains the same. A star falls from grace and learns a lot about life and himself at the same time. Will Ferrell sells his role as a celebrity NASCAR driver of immense risk and caliber with the type of commitment you can expect. The unexpected comes from his supporting cast, which includes a game John C. Reilly as his partner and best friend ("Shake and bake!") and even a bizarrely played Sacha Baron Cohen as a rival import from "Formula Un." Both of these actors deliver some very surreal moments, the former with his admission of the Mike Honcho pseudonym and every scene with the latter and Andy Richter is eye-widening.
Don't get me wrong, I really did like the movie, but I would have to say had the movie been a little more nonsensical, it would have thrown Ron Burgundy to the wolves. What I can say is that Adam McKay is becoming one of the most consistent comedic directors of his time. Three hits in his last three outings isn't bad at all, and as long as he keeps pairing himself with strong comedic leads, I don't see his resume falling short anytime soon.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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