I feel almost ashamed to admit I liked it...and it gets better with repeated viewing!

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2007)

Generally, when a "hot" young comedian is embraced by Hollywood and the American public, I am loathe to see their films. Call me a snob, but I think most comedies in this mold are amazingly dumb and unwatchable--especially when they are done by "Saturday Night Live" alumnus (who have a history of wretched films). However, even with these "flavor of the moments" (and I assumed Will Farrell was), occasionally they make a movie that is still well worth seeing. Take, for examples, WATERBOY as well as TELLADEGA NIGHTS--both films made by popular SNL comedians who the American public adore--and both of which made some amazingly dumb and pointless films (LITTLE NICKY quickly comes to mind).
So why did I like TALLADEGA NIGHTS? Well, because the film never took itself very seriously and again and again the film deliberately chose to avoid the standard clichés and formula. For once, the film did not insult its viewers by taking a by-the-numbers approach to the material. So many times, I was wrong guessing where the picture went and moments that seemed like they were about to be saccharine and contrived deliberately twisted the tables and went for dark and satisfying humor (such as when Ricky's dad shows up to get the tickets for the race).
Did I love the movie? Certainly not. At times, the acting and characterizations were just too broad (such as the "I'm on fire" scene) and there were quite a few flat moments in the film (mostly in the middle). Comedy-wise, this is not THE PRODUCERS or CITY LIGHTS, but it is pleasant and good for a few laughs.
Having lived in Charlotte, NC several years ago, I REALLY enjoyed seeing the gentle way the film spoofed the fans and racers. To many non-NASCAR enthusiasts or those who live nowhere near the Southern states dominated by the sport, this all might fall a bit flat. But my having lived 10 minutes away from Lowes Motor Speedway and having to put up with all the hoopla (which is bad, since I hate auto racing), it was a delight to see this film.
By the way, you may or may not be offended by the characterization of Ricky Bobby's arch-rival. If you are French, I can probably safely assume you won't find it very funny--though it also strongly pokes fun of Redneck America as well. Also, if you are gay and are very sensitive to this in films, you may also be offended. However, in this age of political correctness and hyper-sensitivity, it's a bit refreshing to see a film that could care less about these sensibilities. Grow thicker skin and just let yourself laugh. This American with French heritage sure could.