The Ridiculous 6 (2015) Movie Review
A Comedy Western with Mixed Results
The Ridiculous 6 (2015) is a comedy western film directed by Frank Coraci, featuring an ensemble cast led by Adam Sandler. The film, produced by Happy Madison Productions and released on Netflix, aims to parody classic westerns with a blend of slapstick humor, absurdity, and a touch of Sandler’s signature comedic style. Despite its ambitious attempt at humor, The Ridiculous 6 received largely negative reviews, criticized for its offensive jokes and lackluster execution.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Tommy “White Knife” Stockburn (Adam Sandler), a white man raised by Native Americans after being orphaned as a child. Tommy is a skilled fighter, known for his proficiency with knives. One day, his long-lost biological father, Frank Stockburn (Nick Nolte), reappears and reveals that he needs $50,000 to save his life from a gang of outlaws.
To raise the money, Tommy embarks on a journey to find his five half-brothers, each with a unique and bizarre background:
- Ramon (Rob Schneider), a Mexican with a burro sidekick.
- Lil’ Pete (Taylor Lautner), a dim-witted man with an unusually strong neck.
- Herm (Jorge Garcia), a mute and feral mountain man.
- Danny (Luke Wilson), a guilt-ridden drunkard.
- Chico (Terry Crews), a piano player with a hidden talent for playing music with his muscles.
The six brothers, who dub themselves “The Ridiculous 6,” join forces to save their father. Along the way, they encounter a series of outlandish characters and situations, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. From robbing a bank run by Abner Doubleday (John Turturro) to facing off against a gang led by Cicero (Danny Trejo), the brothers’ journey is filled with ridiculous antics and over-the-top humor.
Performance and Direction
Adam Sandler delivers a subdued performance as Tommy, playing the role with his usual laid-back demeanor. While Sandler’s character is meant to be the straight man amidst the chaos, his performance lacks the energy and enthusiasm seen in some of his earlier work.
The supporting cast, including Rob Schneider, Taylor Lautner, Jorge Garcia, Luke Wilson, and Terry Crews, each bring their own comedic flair to the film. Schneider’s portrayal of Ramon relies heavily on stereotypical humor, while Lautner’s portrayal of Lil’ Pete is characterized by exaggerated physical comedy. Crews, Wilson, and Garcia contribute to the ensemble with their unique comedic styles, though their characters often feel underdeveloped.
Director Frank Coraci attempts to balance the film’s various comedic elements, from slapstick to parody. However, the direction often falls flat, resulting in a disjointed narrative that struggles to maintain a consistent comedic tone. The film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by Dean Semler captures the vast and picturesque landscapes of the Old West, providing a visually appealing backdrop for the film’s antics. The use of wide shots and sweeping vistas adds to the western aesthetic, though it often contrasts with the film’s comedic tone.
Special effects and practical stunts are used sparingly, primarily to enhance the comedic action sequences. While some effects add to the absurdity of the film, others feel out of place or poorly executed, detracting from the overall experience.
Themes and Messages
The Ridiculous 6 aims to parody classic western tropes and deliver a comedic take on the genre. However, the film’s humor often relies on offensive stereotypes and crude jokes, which overshadow its potential themes of family and unity. The portrayal of Native American characters and other cultural groups has been criticized for its insensitivity and lack of respect.
The film does touch on themes of brotherhood and acceptance, as the six half-brothers learn to work together despite their differences. However, these themes are not explored in depth, taking a backseat to the film’s comedic misfires.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, The Ridiculous 6 received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. It was criticized for its reliance on offensive humor, lack of cohesive narrative, and wasted potential given the talented ensemble cast. Despite the poor critical reception, the film reportedly performed well on Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched original films at the time.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in America, The Ridiculous 6 is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Conclusion
The Ridiculous 6 (2015) is a comedy western that attempts to blend slapstick humor with a parody of classic westerns. Despite its promising premise and ensemble cast, the film falls short due to its reliance on offensive jokes and lack of coherent storytelling. While it may offer some laughs for fans of Adam Sandler’s comedic style, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying or respectful comedy experience.
For those curious about this Netflix original, The Ridiculous 6 is readily available on the streaming platform, though viewers should approach it with tempered expectations.
