Review by Jon Donnis
"Ricky Stanicky" is a rib-tickling comedy that throws back to the irreverent humour of early 2000s films. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film spins a ludicrous yet uproarious tale around a fictional character, Ricky Stanicky, concocted by three childhood friends to escape the consequences of a prank gone awry.
The story revolves around Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler), who, twenty years after the prank, still rely on Ricky Stanicky as their scapegoat for immature antics. However, when their partners demand to meet this elusive friend, they enlist the help of washed-up actor "Rock Hard" Rod (John Cena) to bring Ricky to life.
Now I am a big fan of John Cena, from his wrestling days, and I know he can pull out the comedy moments when needed, but I was genuinely surprised at how good he is in this. Also interesting to note is his nickname in the film being "Rock Hard", and it is rumoured he will face off against The Rock at Wrestlemania. Purely a coincidence I am sure!
The film's strongest suit lies in its comedic prowess. With laugh-out-loud moments peppered throughout, "Ricky Stanicky" delivers on its promise of providing unapologetic, lowbrow humor. John Cena's performance as the over-the-top Rod/Ricky Stanicky cements his status as a bona fide comedy star, bringing charisma and hilarity to the role.
The ensemble cast, including Lex Scott Davis and William H. Macy, adds depth to the film, elevating it beyond its conventional plot. Each actor brings a unique energy to their character, contributing to the overall dynamic of the movie.
However, the film's runtime of nearly two hours may feel excessive to some viewers. While the humor remains consistently entertaining, a tighter edit could have enhanced the pacing and prevented any potential lulls in momentum.
In summary, "Ricky Stanicky" is a riotous adult comedy that unapologetically embraces its absurdity. It harks back to a bygone era of comedy films, delivering a dose of nostalgia mixed with contemporary laughs. For those seeking a completely silly and utterly hilarious cinematic experience, "Ricky Stanicky" is sure to hit the mark. I rate it a solid 8 out of 10, and lets hope we see John Cena at Wrestlemania 40!
Out now in cinemas and digital at https://amzn.to/3P6Pmag
