Talladega Nights
Talladega Nights.
If you enjoy American sports comedy films involving all things Nascar, then Talladega Nights may be a perfect fit for you. Talladega Nights is an American sports comedy film starring Will Ferrell and John C. Riley, a dynamic duo who never fail to impress with their iconic work in various films. It is a narrative film, meaning it is a fictional story not based on real-life events. The screenwriters for this film are Adam Mckay and Will Ferrell, who were both responsible for coming up with the story for this film. This film has many hilarious comedic segments, while also presenting a wholesome story of family and friendship.
Talladega Nights contains a plot filled with lots of satire and unconventional comedic elements that make for a funny, yet well-put-together film. The basic rags-to-riches plot of this film begins with Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell), being born in the backseat of a car traveling over 100 miles per hour with his father, (who he does not know growing up), driving the car. As a boy, Ricky is a wild and misbehaving kid whose only goal in life is to go fast. The need to go fast is a common element that has a significant repetition throughout the film. As the plot progresses, Ricky transforms into an adult working as a pit crew member for a professional Nascar team. As the team is one of the lowest-performing in the industry, Ricky is given a chance to drive, and he lives up to his lifelong dream of going fast. Based on his high performance and natural ability for driving fast, Ricky is eventually given the position of the main driver for his Nascar team. With this newfound success, Ricky also meets his partner Cal, (John C. Riley), and his very attractive wife. Ricky goes on to win multiple races and awards with the help of his teammate Cal until the fame and popularity get to him and he begins to lose his precise driving skills. A French formula one driver Jean Girard (Sacha Cohen) shows up in the American Nascar series and begins blowing the competition out of the water. A strong rivalry arises between Ricky and Jean as Ricky fights to keep his fame, fortune, dynasty, and family together.
Although this film contains many comical elements, there are some things that I like and dislike about it. One dislike that I have is the constant use of stereotypes and gender roles throughout the film. Through Com 250, I have learned that films often portray women in a sexual manner over 7 times more than their counterpart, which is extremely evident in this movie. Ricky often treats his wife like a trophy and there are multiple instances of girls shown in a sexual manner.
Overall, this film in my opinion is another classic Will Ferrell film that contains a very comical rags-to-riches story. Although it does contain strong stereotypes and false gender role portrayal, I overall think that this is a very well put together film and I would recommend this movie. From a basic value based standpoint, there is not much that can be taken from this film besides a good laugh.
