Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Getting down to it, how long will it take for the masses who see this picture to realize that this is smart, relentless satire that wittily goes after a culture that has dominated much of America?

Let's lay the comedy aside here for right now. Sure, the story is good for what it's worth. Ricky Bobby wants to be #1. He wants go fast. And you are either first or last. He eats a lot of fast food and Applebee's is gourmet. The French guy comes and tries to take Ricky's #1 spot. But alas, Ricky will not let that happen so after a chain of comic events Ricky comes out beating him finally keeping French guy from winning. Oh and better, the French guy is gay---he has a few same-sex kisses in the movie. So, on the surface that is satisfying for any NASCAR-lovin' fan. And for all the right wingers who love NASCAR, it sits well with them too.

Pull back the curtain to see the reality and this is Adam McKay poking serious fun at the way so many Americans think. It's outrageously funny and easy to laugh at. From all these dopey things, a great gang of characters spring forth. And I loved laughing at them. It was hilarious.

So, the big question is will the public see this as another Anchorman or a movie that fits well with a movie like Thank You For Smoking? Cause I think it serves to paint a satirical portrait of Americans more than it serves as just being fun.

8/10



Nice work Adam McKay and Will Ferrell. And thank you Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Gary Cole, and others for bringing Adam McKay's movie to life. The improv-ed scenes are awesome also.