TALLADEGA NIGHTS (2006)

I have to admit I didn't know what to expect going into viewing TALLADEGA NIGHTS (2006). That's mainly because while I think Will Ferrell is a comic genius, I was thoroughly disappointed with ANCHORMAN (2004). I know most people found it hysterical, I just did not. Completely. But that wasn't the case with TALLADEGA NIGHTS.

Now I can't say TALLADEGA NIGHTS is a movie you should run out to see. It is pretty silly. But while there isn't much detailed substance, there is a wonderful, hokey charm that will (or might) win you over. Ferrell plays a bumbling young midwesterner who gets the chance to become a NASCAR driver and takes the sport by storm, only to hit rock bottom after a crash and the introduction of a nemesis: a gay, french Formula One driver who enters NASCAR (brilliantly played by Sacha Baron Cohen). The triumphant comeback is both predictable and randomly funny, with a great ending. However, for me, the real gem of the film is the funny, odd best buddy relationship between the characters played by Ferrell and John C. Reilly. I can't really describe it in detail only to say that the buddy relationship takes up a good part of the story and showcases some stellar oddball humor.

All in all, this is one of those flicks I would recommend to those people who are already interested in it. Yeah, a rousing endorsement. If you're not familiar with the Ferrell/Adam McKay (director) brand of humor, this might be a long two hours. But if you found Ferrell funny on SNL and enjoyed the previews, this will probably be a fun afternoon.

10 Things ...

I caught this movie some time ago and had the review in stock, as I like to say, but forgot to post it. Anyway, I've always heard good things (mostly by the women folk) and I wasn't disappointed ... in fact I would say I was pleasantly surprised. I think you will be too.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999)

Star rating: **** out of 5

I can see why women go crazy for this flick. It's a sharp high school comedy with quite a bit of charm and a strong ending that'll get to even cynical romantics. Thanks to a kooky father, a sophomore (Larisa Oleynik) can date only when her older sister (Julia Stiles) dates. Unfortunately, the older sister is a cynical, sarcastic contrarian who feels the boys at their school are all idiotic miscreants. Throw in suitors who scheme and hire a beau for a chance with the younger sister and you have the plot. The film is beyond funny and smoothly satirizes high school life. The dialogue is crisp and genuine and takes advantage by quoting Shakespeare here and there. The real gem is the acting with the four main players not only bringing reality to their roles but a nice dose of chemistry (especially Stiles and Heath Ledger). Funnyman Larry Miller plays the father and steals a scene or three. And Andrew Keegan enjoys his time as the foil. Highly recommended; as is the Shakespeare play the film is loosely based on.