Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
No. 1 NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, played by Ferrell (Anchorman), stays on top with the help of pal and teammate Cal Naughton Jr., played by John C Reilly (Chicago). However, when a French Formula One driver, played by Sacha Baron Cohen (TV's Da Ali G Show), makes his NASCAR debut, Ricky Bobby's nerves, dedication and his lack of a father figure are put to the test. Among the picture's many hilarious scenes, the 'baby Jesus' dinner table scene had me in stitches. The ensemble was awesome except for Cohen as the Frenchman who apparently brought with him the worst French accent I've ever heard, even for an outlandish character. Jane Lynch (40-Year-Old Virgin) and Gary Cole (Dodgeball) gave what I thought were outstanding believable--among a sea of character roles--supportive performances as Bobby's mother and dead-beat father. I felt the homosexual humor which centered around Cohen's character was too much. It was not needed and a little insulting to homosexuals; however, it's not like the gay culture has voiced out against this picture, so maybe they don't care. Overall, I laughed my a** off at "Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby." I haven't laughed this hard at a movie since "Dodgeball;" however, I cannot compare it to "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." It's not THAT exceptional, but it is quite well done and hilarious. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This latest Will Ferrell/Adam McKay junction is best for its extremely funny dialogue, much of it was improvised.