Not enough laughs

Rating: 3/10 (5 August 2006)

This could be deemed a "preview movie." The preview seen on television was funny and engaging; the movie isn't. In fact, some of the jokes seen in the preview don't even appear in the actual film.
The film is basically a re-hash of "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (with a NASCAR spin). Notice the similarity of the two films' titles: both have a title and a sub-title; both include the main character's name; both main characters have the initials R.B.; one is a "legend," the other a "ballad." If "Anchorman" made you laugh, "Talladega Nights" probably will too. If you thought "Anchorman" was inane and light on laughs, avoid "Talladega Nights."
Both movies have some genuinely funny moments and punchlines, but not enough to sustain them. The formula for "Talladega Nights" is the exact same one used for "Anchorman": the actors ad-lib many of their lines and the film ends up being made in the editing room instead of emerging from the script. In theory, there is nothing wrong with this formula, but the jokes are simply not funny or frequent enough to keep the momentum up. The movie is basically a Will Ferrell Saturday Night Live sketch idea that is stretched out, somewhat painfully, over 100 minutes.
The humor is funny at times, stupid and ignorant at others. "Gay" jokes abound and the word "retarded" pops up a couple times. Will Ferrell can be an excellent comedian; if he was held to a higher standard, maybe he'd produce some higher-brow humor instead of churning out mindless movies that are guaranteed to perform at the box office.
One interesting aspect of the film is the way it completely embraces American NASCAR culture, right down to the barrage of product placement, homophobia, and overall ignorance. I left the theater somewhat unsure if the creators of the film were trying to make a statement (Will Ferrell definitely used some of his George W. impression for Ricky Bobby), or just banking in on a hugely popular American "sport" and culture. As mush as I'd like to think I am one of the few who are "in" on an elaborate joke, I doubt it. Part of the answer lies in whether or not all the brands that appear in the film (no doubt hundreds) were compensated. I fear that they were.
3 out of 10