The highly anticipated comedy film “Ricky Stanicky” has finally hit the screens, and it’s causing quite a stir among audiences. Directed by Peter Farrelly, known for his Oscar-winning film “Green Book,” the movie follows the story of three childhood friends who create an imaginary friend named Ricky Stanicky to take the blame for a Halloween prank gone wrong.
Decades later, the friends reinvent Ricky as a heroic figure living in Nairobi, only returning to the States when the guys need an excuse to escape their significant others for a boys-only vacation. However, when a weekend trip goes awry, the friends are forced to prove that Ricky actually exists.
The standout performance in the film comes from John Cena, who plays Rod, a broke nightclub performer hired to portray Ricky for a weekend. Cena’s portrayal of the filthy-minded and boozehound Rod is both hilarious and endearing, showcasing his talent for comedic timing and physical comedy.
Despite Cena’s standout performance, the film itself suffers from an identity crisis, with a jumble of ideas that feel hastily thrown together. The script, which has gone through multiple revisions and screenwriters, struggles to find a cohesive narrative, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.
While the film has its moments of earnestness and cringe-worthy humor, it falls short of delivering consistent laughs. The soundtrack, editing, and pacing also contribute to the overall dissonance of the film, leaving audiences feeling disconnected from the story.
Despite its flaws, “Ricky Stanicky” is worth a watch for Cena’s performance alone. His dedication to the role elevates the film and provides some much-needed comedic relief. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained by the antics of Ricky Stanicky and his friends.
“Ricky Stanicky” is rated R for language, drug use, and Ricky’s eroticized renditions of retro pop hits, with a running time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. You can catch the film on Prime Video for a night of laughs and entertainment.
