Today, we're diving into the new comedy movie on Amazon Prime: Ricky Stanicky. Starring Zac Efron, John Cena, Andrew Santino, Jermaine Fowler, and Jeff Ross, this film had all the ingredients for a hilarious ride, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
First off, the movie struggles to establish a clear main character. Is it Ricky himself? Or one of the three friends who created him? The story seems unsure, and as a result, the pacing and focus feel off.
That being said, there are some bright spots. John Cena's scenes as Ricky Stanicky are undoubtedly the highlight of the film. His comedic timing, commitment to the role, and willingness to go all-out for a laugh really shine through. From his masturbation-themed parody songs to his interactions with the rest of the cast, Cena brings the energy and laughs whenever he's on screen.
However, the movie's attempt to balance comedy with more serious, dramatic moments falls flat. The third act, in particular, veers into heavy territory that feels out of place and unearned. It's a tonal shift that the film isn't quite able to pull off.
Another issue I had with Ricky Stanicky was the ending. Without spoiling too much, let's just say that the resolution feels far too neat and tidy for a movie that's supposed to be grounded in reality. It's a bit of a stretch to believe that everything would wrap up so easily after years of lies and deception.
In the end, I'm giving Ricky Stanicky a C+. It has its moments, thanks largely to John Cena's performance, but the inconsistent tone, pacing issues, and unsatisfying ending keep it from being a true comedy classic. If you're a fan of the cast, it's worth a watch, but don't expect non-stop laughs from start to finish.
What did you think of Ricky Stanicky? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to like and subscribe for more movie reviews and content from What are We Doing.