Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (DVD, 2006, Unrated Edition; Widescreen)

"Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (UNRATED VERSION) is by far, Will Ferrell's most hysterical and outlandish comedy genius to be put to film to date. Not since Adam Sandler's "Happy Gilmore", Chris Farley's "Tommy Boy" & "Black Sheep"; I even go far enough back and say Eddie Murphy's "Trading Places", has any one man from SNL (Saturday Night Live), embraced and adopted his comedic gift and jolted himself into superstardom; as Will Ferrell. From "Old School", to "Elf, to "Anchorman" and early cameo's in "Wedding Crashers", the Wildlife Marshall in "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back", as well as "Austin Powers I, II, III" (the assassin that would't die or give up secret info unless asked three times). Will Ferrell presents us here the fast-paced, fast-food eating NASCAR Champion Ricky Bobby. Who loves "Baby Jesus" (the adult Jesus is not his "preferred" prayer choice, with the beard and all -- LOL), loves his two sons, (who are living in the foul-mouthed fast lane created by DAD Ricky Bobby)., and his "Smoking Hot-Mama Wife" whom he thanks "Baby Jesus" for every night! -- Everythng is perfect until French Nascar Challenger Jean Girard (Sasha Baron Cohen -- BORAT) arrives "To Take Down Ricky Bobby"., in his French Sponsored "Perrier" Water Car. The two battle the tire-smeared raceways and reduce themselves to a massive wreck. Girard is Ok, Ricky Bobby is running around the track in his underwear traumatized screaming for help from "Baby Jesus", "Tom Cruise & Oprah Winfrey" as we laugh ourselves silly. -- Ricky Bobby loses it all., his courage, his self-confidence, his fame and his love. His wife leaves him for fellow teammate racer and best-friend (Cal Naughton Jr). His friend who will repeatedly invite him over,, not understanding why he did anything "that bad", to "his own former mansion" and call Ricky Bobby daily to ask for help using the jacuzzi. LOL - It's outlandish and great humor at it's finest pace. -- A clear throwback to Tom Cruises former hit "Days of Thunder"., he must now battle his recovery, (i.e. convincing himself he is not paralyzed by stabbing himself in the leg., LOL) and get back on that RaceTrack to conquer his nemesis Jean Girard and reclaim his championship in NASCAR. -- Will Ferrell has truly outdone himself !!!! The comedy is perfectly paced and jammed-packed into this well-delivered. See This !!!! The laughs are worth every second !!!! Highly Recommended !!!!

PLEASE SEE MY OTHER REVIEWS FOR GREAT FILMS !!!!

You can't go wrong with a movie whose main character has two first names. Will Ferrell is hilarious in this one. If you are a fan of the number 1 sport for Rednecks then this DVD is for you. This movie is done in typical Will Ferrell fashion. John C. Reilly adds to the comic mayhem. W.F. plays Ricky Bobby, who works his way into becoming a NASCAR driver. J.C.R. plays his wingman. Together the two create a racing style called shake and bake. Soon, Ricky Bobby overshadows his buddy and alienates everyone around him. After his fall from grace, it takes his new love and the help of his out of the picture father Reese Bobby to get Ricky back on track. A definite must for your comedy DVD collection. Just remember, If you're not first, you're last.

THIS IS WILL FERREL'S ABSOLUTE BEST OUTCOME IN THE SPORTS THEMED FILMS THAT HE HAS OVERDONE IN OTHER CASES. THE WRITTING AND THE ENSEMBLE ACTING IS ON THE MARK AND QUITE OFTEN WAY OVER THE LINE HILARIOUSLY FUNNY. THE TWO YOUNG ACTORS PLAYING THE SONS "TEXAS RANGER" AND "WALKER" ARE SCENE STEALERS OF THE FIRST-ORDER. THE CHANCE TO RIDE IN JOHN C. REILLY AND FERREL'S COMEDIC TAKE ON AMERICA'S LOVE AFFAIR WITH ALL THINGS NASCAR IS A WILD ANYTHING GOES FORAY INTO FULL TILT FARCE CALLED TALLADEGA NIGHTS THE BALLARD OF RICKY BOBBY. YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH A VIEWING OF THE CLASSIC AND YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN BE ABLE TO LOOK ON A NASCAR EVENT WITHOUT WONDERING WHEN RICKY AND HIS SIDEKICK WILL RUN THEIR PATENTED COME FROM BEHIND SURE-FIRE MANEUVER THE INFAMOUS "SHAKE AND BAKE". RIDE ON RICKY RIDE ON!!

OK folks, I am a BIG Will Ferrell fan, so even this movie was enjoyable to a degree. I mean, Will Ferrell's (Ricky Bobby's) dinner prayer is an absolute riot (that must have been a real hoot to film), and there are other fun points too. Also, the sub-plot of getting past homophobia is a good thing. However, even my 15-year old daughter, who is an even bigger WF fan than I (if that's possible), didn't take to the movie as much as many other WF films. Bottom line: All great actors / thin script. The film just doesn't pin you down to your seat in anticipation, or deliver a plethora of big belly laughs, though there are a few good ones. "Elf" and "Anchorman" are two of WF's best films, and the WF SNL highlites (more cowbell) deliver much more laugh impact. If you like WF you'll still enjoy Talladega Nights to a degree, but don't expect the same reaction or complete amusement as other WF outings. 3 STARS out of 5.

Talladega Nights

Simply put... This movie is hilarious. You will laugh, cry, and fall on the floor due to the insanely funny scenes in this film!

Will Ferrell, Sacha Baron Cohen, Micheal Clarke Duncan, David Koechner, and Amy Adams are great, as is the rest of the cast.

This movie isn't as funny as I thought it'd be, but it's still pretty funny. The surprising thing to me was how much I enjoyed the actual movie and the story behind it.

All in all this is one of Will Ferrells best pictures, and it's one that I can watch again and again.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or Buy?: If you're a Will Ferrell/Nascar fan, this movie belongs in your collection.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.