Everything you need to know about the latest film “Ricky Stanicky” can be found on the poster, which boldly declares it as an R-rated comedy. Directed and co-written by Peter Farrelly, this movie marks a return to the wild and irreverent style of comedy that defined Farrelly’s earlier works such as “Dumb and Dumber,” “Shallow Hal,” “Kingpin,” “Stuck On You,” and the iconic “There’s Something About Mary.” Farrelly, known for infusing heart into even the most outrageous scenarios, took a different turn in his career with the emotional and award-winning “Green Book” and the captivating true story “The Greatest Beer Run Ever,” starring Zac Efron. In “Ricky Stanicky,” Efron is joined by John Cena, who surprisingly shines as a comedic talent in this film.
The story begins with a flashback introducing three mischievous friends, Dean, J.T., and Wes, who create a fictional character named Ricky Stanicky to take the blame for their pranks and mischief. Fast forward to the present day, and the trio, still close friends, continue to use Ricky Stanicky as their scapegoat. When J.T. and Dean embark on a reckless trip to Atlantic City without their partners’ knowledge, they encounter the eccentric Rod Rimestead, played by Cena, whose bizarre antics add a new twist to their adventure. However, their escapade is cut short when they receive news of an unexpected event back home, leading to another instance where Ricky Stanicky is conveniently blamed.
This incident triggers curiosity among their friends and family, prompting the trio to hire an actor to portray the elusive Ricky Stanicky at a significant event. As expected, chaos ensues as the imposter captivates the audience with his unexpected talents, leading to unforeseen consequences at their workplace. What follows is a hilarious series of events as J.T. and Dean attempt to rectify the situation before it spirals out of control, all while maintaining the signature Farrelly comedy charm.
While the initial part of the film may seem overly absurd, it sets the stage for the comedic brilliance that unfolds during the bris and its aftermath. Farrelly strikes a balance between outrageous humor and genuine human connections, with a talented cast that includes Efron, Santino, Fowler, and the standout performance by Cena. Macy also delivers a memorable performance, adding to the film’s R-rated humor that keeps audiences entertained.
For fans of Farrelly’s distinctive style, “Ricky Stanicky” promises an entertaining experience, albeit one that would ideally be enjoyed in a communal setting rather than on a streaming platform like Prime Video.
Title: Ricky Stanicky
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios
Release Date: March 7, 2024 (Prime Video)
Director: Peter Farrelly
Screenwriters: Jeff Bushell, Brian Jarvis, James Lee Freeman, Pete Jones, Mike Cerrone
Cast: Zac Efron, John Cena, William H. Macy, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, Jeffrey Ross, Anja Savcic, Lex Scott Davis
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 52 min