In my personal opinion, SNL is going down the tubes. I can’t state any particular reason except that it has been plain unfunny for the past few years. Coincidentally, this all began when one Will Ferrell decided to leave the cast and pursue a film career. Like Jenga blocks, the show fell down. However, Ferrell has managed to become one of America’s #1 comedic actors, pleasing the socks off of audiences and even critics!

As a follow-up to Anchorman, director Adam McKay and Will Ferrell have taken their fratty shenanigans to the race track in the NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. This follows the life story of a racing champion that wears his pride through acts of outrageous masculinity. With his million dollar endorsement deals, a kiss-ass best friend (John C. Reilly) and a “smokin hot wife”, Ricky is all set. This is until a major accident sets him back and a gay Frenchman (Sacha Baron Cohen) takes his place as reigning champion. Does the trash-talking redneck have what it takes to become #1 while simultaneously learning profound lessons in life?

Good comedies are hard to come by these days and I mean REALLY hard to come by. Judging by the trailers, I knew Ferrell’s re-teaming with McKay was sure to evoke a few chuckles. Delivering laughs this comedy does. While not quite the earth-shattering gut-buster that I hoped it to be, Talladega Nights is still a worthwhile shot of humor thanks to the ensemble cast. Veteran actor John C. Reilly proves he has a talented funny side, and Baron Cohen even manages to come through without too much overkill as Bobby’s crepe-loving nemesis.

The way I gauge comedies is by the laughs-per-minute. Face it, Ricky Bobby is a stupid movie, but I happened to enjoy it. While its storyline takes a more straightforward route compared to McKay’s previous Anchorman, it replaces more jokes with sentimental moments. While slightly inferior, I still give the stamp of approval to this comedy. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: “I piss excellence every morning…” -Ricky Bobby