7. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Release Date: August 4, 2006

Director: Adam McKay

Non-Will Ferrell Cast Members: John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jane Lynch, Amy Adams.

It’s worth noting that a few people on this list were yet to become really big names, particularly Cohen, Lynch, and Adams. It’s a good start for Cohen. Like in Borat, he fakes an ethnicity to humorous effect (French, in this case). As for Adams, this isn’t the Oscar-nominated work she’s known for now, but it’s still a good movie.

First Time I Saw It: I’m not 100 percent sure when I first saw it, but I know it wasn’t when it was in theaters. It was either on TV or someone in my family rented/borrowed it. This was at least a few years after the theatrical release. And now it’s one of those movies I’ll usually watch a good amount of when I find it while flipping channels.

Why I Love It: I think big part of it comes down to the character interactions, particularly Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton, Jr. (John C. Reilly), also known collectively as Shake and Bake. Almost everything the characters say to each other is stupid, but the actors deliver it all in such a genuine way. It’s a parody of the crowd drawn to racing, but it never feels malicious. Of course Ricky would name his sons Walker and Texas Ranger; of course Ricky would cover his dinner table with the brands that sponsor his car. The movie also features a surprisingly good comeback story, with just enough zany humor to top it off (i.e. driving in a car with a cougar).

Signature Ferrell Moment: The signature moment is easily Ricky running in his underwear, believing he’s on fire. It’s not actually my favorite moment, but it’s a good summary of Will Ferrell’s comedy. He doesn’t care that he looks stupid because that’s the point. I remember a kid in high school even dressed up as Ricky Bobby in his underwear for Halloween, and everybody knew what it was. And even though it’s not my favorite scene, it’s still pretty funny. – Aaron Sarnecky

https://youtu.be/8cWRHcl5GFI

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