Ricky Stanicky (2024) Movie Review: A Disappointing Return to Outdated Humor – Where to Watch Online
Before Judd Apatow’s rise to prominence with his comedies about perpetually immature men, Peter Farrelly and his brother Bobby Farrelly were well-known for their own brand of humor. Their films, such as Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary, offered a mix of crude jokes and genuine heart. Despite their notable successes, Farrelly’s solo project Movie 43 was widely panned. Since then, Farrelly has ventured into television, won an Oscar for Green Book, and directed the Vietnam War-era film The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Now, with Ricky Stanicky, Farrelly returns to the familiar territory of crude comedies, but the result is a lackluster rehash of outdated humor.
A Nostalgic Misfire: What Went Wrong?
Ricky Stanicky attempts to capture the spirit of Farrelly’s earlier works but instead feels like a derivative attempt at comedy. The film’s premise, where a fictional scapegoat named Ricky Stanicky becomes the crux of a series of comedic situations, lacks originality. Farrelly co-wrote the script with five other writers and shares a story credit with two additional contributors, which might explain the film’s inconsistent execution.
Plot Summary
The movie starts with Ricky Stanicky not as a character but as an invented excuse for three friends who use him to deflect blame after a prank involving a “poop bag on fire” goes awry. Over time, Ricky becomes the catch-all for their mistakes and irresponsible behavior. As adults, the friends—Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler)—continue to use Ricky as a cover for their escapades, including sneaking away from their families for fun trips.
Their charade is exposed when their families demand to meet Ricky. To maintain the ruse, they hire Rod (John Cena), a washed-up actor from Atlantic City, to portray Ricky. This leads to a series of comedic but predictable situations as Rod tries to fit into the role of Ricky Stanicky, with humor largely derived from juvenile jokes and stereotypes.
What Misses the Mark
Ricky Stanicky struggles with its reliance on tired gags and a script that often crosses into cringe-worthy territory. The film’s humor frequently hinges on outdated stereotypes and crude jokes, such as inappropriate gestures and racially insensitive remarks. William H. Macy’s role as a corporate boss who makes crude gestures and Jeff Ross’s appearance as a goofy rabbi on ketamine are examples of humor that falls flat and feels out of place.
The film also faces criticism for its portrayal of its Black character, Wes (Jermaine Fowler), who is depicted as an unemployed stoner, contrasting sharply with the white characters who hold more respectable jobs. Such characterizations contribute to the film’s overall tone of insensitivity.
Performances That Shine Amidst Mediocrity
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Zac Efron and John Cena manage to deliver commendable performances. Efron, as Dean, finds moments of emotional depth and plays his character’s growth with sincerity. Cena, on the other hand, fully commits to his role as Rod, embracing the extremes of his character with both humor and intensity. Cena’s portrayal includes humorous touches such as mimicking rock stars and inventing exaggerated stories about Ricky’s past, which provide some of the film’s more memorable moments.
Ricky Stanicky 2024: Where to Watch Online
Ricky Stanicky is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re in the mood for a throwback to crude humor, it might be worth a watch, but be prepared for a film that often feels like it’s stuck in the past.
Final Verdict
Ricky Stanicky is a mixed bag, with its moments of humor often overshadowed by repetitive jokes and a lack of originality. The film’s attempt to revisit Farrelly’s comedic roots feels more like a nostalgic misfire rather than a successful revival of his early work. For viewers who enjoy crude humor and can overlook the film’s shortcomings, there may be some entertainment value. However, for those seeking a more innovative and refined comedy, Ricky Stanicky might disappoint.
