Film Reviews

Talladega Nights

• Rating:
• Director: Adam McKay.
• Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Amy Adams.
• Details: US / 108mins (15A).

Redneck NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby (Ferrell) is the greatest the racing circuit has ever seen and is quickly turning into a national hero. His 'win at all costs' attitude endears him to the beer-swigging crowd and his deadly partnership with Cal Naughton Jr. (Reilly) wows audiences with its death-defying driving style. When cocky French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Cohen) challenges Bobby for the supremacy of the circuit, Bobby finds himself up against his toughest challenge yet. After the Bewitched and Kicking And Screaming misfires, it's good to see Will Ferrell back to doing what he does best - making people laugh - so taking the Anchorman schtick and sticking it behind the wheel of a racecar was a good idea. The humour is typical Ferrell (he co-wrote this with director McKay) and it's safe to say that if you liked Anchorman, you'll like this - but probably not as much. McKay encourages improvisation and this where the movie is at its strongest, but the episodic nature of the plot shows up the story for what it is: an excuse for Ferrell to do something daft, or for his supporting cast (who can't be faulted) to have a witty line. Either it's generous performance on Ferrell's part or a mistake, but it's the support that outshine the star. Reilly steals almost every scene he's in, and the appearance of Sasha Baron Cohen will only whet the appetite for the upcoming Borat feature. If you're the type that will laugh at the names of Bobby's two sons, Walker and Texas Ranger (I did), then you'll laugh at Talladega Nights.

Review by Gavin Burke