Rating 15
Length 1h53
Release 05.06.1998
Director Peter Farrelly
About Twenty years after creating the imaginary Ricky Stanicky, three childhood friends still use the nonexistent pal as a handy alibi for their immature behavior. When their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to finally meet him, the guilty trio decides to hire washed-up actor Rod to bring him to life. However, when Rod takes his role of a lifetime a little too far, they begin to wish they never invented Ricky in the first place.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:
The Good
John Cena is at his best when he’s playing a dumb, but kind hearted, whatever this character is. Without him, I possibly wouldn’t have watched this film and I have to give him points for all the impersonations.
The film has a comedic blend of Hangover, Tag and Hall Pass. I would say that this actually lands the ending, despite the cynical set up and the relentless effort they make not to get caught, the film really does manage to give an uplifting ending.
The Bad
I really struggle with films based on a lie. Yes it is funny as the billows out of control, but it then questions the integrity of the characters and how those that lie get away with it for so long. Also, my ADHD brain always knows when someone is lying and it’s really quite hard to see the lengths people go to, and the indignation they have when you don’t in fact believe them. Safe to say, these boys would not get this past me at all.
By extension, I hate Leona. She’s a bitch. However, the fact that the film goes to great lengths to make us think she’s a bitch *because* she doesn’t believe the boys truly sucks.
The Ugly
As with many other films like this, some of the things done to rid the main character(s) of their self created problem are a little too harsh. As the film passes that line, it makes what is meant to be a rather sympathetic, yet out of his depth, character really unlikeable.
How Cena’s Ricky is treated, while funny, inches too far to the nasty side. I’m not sure if that’s down to the innocence of Ricky or the ruthlessness of Zac Efron, but it doesn’t sit as well as it should.
Final Thoughts
John Cena steals the show and it’s a good switch off your brain and enjoy the ride.
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