NASCAR stock car racing sensation Ricky Bobby is a national hero because he "win at all costs" approach. He and his loyal racing partner, friend Cal Naughton Jr., a fear duo - "Shake and Bake" by their fans for their ability to finish so many races in the # 1 and # 2 positions, with Cal always in second place. When the flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard challenges "Shake" and "Bake" for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as the top racing driver (www.imdb.com).
Although many of the jokes are easy laughs (with Ferrell running around shirtless is a guaranteed guffaw-fest), the script (co-written by Farrell and Adam McKay) is nuanced and intelligent, lending its characters much more sympathy and complexity than dumber comedy his will to do so. And every performer - Ferrell to Amy Adams (as Susan, Bobby's fawning assistant) - tackles his or her part with joy and sweets. A knee weaker Slim and savvy, TALLADEGA NIGHTS ensures Ferrell's position as one of comedy's shining talent. Very nice movie for your saturday night.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Review Talladega Night: Shaking Night
