Watch Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
- PG-13
- 2006
- 1 hr 48 min
-
6.6 (198,807)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a hilarious sports comedy film released in 2006. Directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Sacha Baron Cohen, the movie follows the life and career of NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, a cocky and ambitious driver who becomes the king of the racing world. The movie takes place in the world of NASCAR, a high-speed, competitive sport that attracts some of the most daring and adventurous drivers. The main character, Ricky Bobby (played by Ferrell), is a talented driver from rural North Carolina who dreams of becoming the best racer in the world. With the help of his loyal sidekick Cal Naughton Jr. (played by Reilly), Ricky Bobby achieves his goal and becomes a famous NASCAR superstar, winning countless races and earning millions of dollars in the process.
However, the arrival of a new challenger, the flamboyant and eccentric French driver Jean Girard (played by Baron Cohen), threatens to dethrone Ricky Bobby from his position as the top driver in NASCAR. Jean Girard is the opposite of Ricky Bobby in every way - he is cultured, sophisticated, and openly gay - and he quickly becomes the object of ridicule and scorn among the conservative and traditionalist NASCAR community.
The movie is full of hilarious and outrageous moments, from Ricky Bobby's infamous "Shake and Bake" racing move to Cal Naughton Jr.'s hilarious attempts to woo Ricky Bobby's estranged wife (played by Leslie Bibb). The chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly is a joy to watch, as they perfectly capture the friendship and rivalry between two talented drivers who will do anything to win.
Sacha Baron Cohen also delivers a standout performance as Jean Girard, a character that is both hilarious and endearing. His interactions with the other racers, particularly Ricky Bobby, are some of the funniest moments in the film. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with memorable performances from Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Jane Lynch.
In addition to its laughs and hijinks, Talladega Nights also touches on some deeper themes about ambition, fame, and the price of success. As Ricky Bobby rises to the top of the NASCAR world, he discovers the downside of stardom and the toll it takes on his personal life. The movie also explores the clash between tradition and innovation in the sport of racing, as well as the changing attitudes towards diversity and inclusion.
Overall, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a hilarious and entertaining movie that will have you laughing from start to finish. It's a must-watch for fans of Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and anyone who enjoys a good sports comedy.
McKay has an impressive resume, having collaborated on numerous movies and television shows with Ferrell, including Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Step Brothers. Talladega Nights, which was co-written by Ferrell and McKay, is considered one of their most successful collaborations, grossing over $162 million worldwide.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 66.