“RICKY STANICKY” (2024) | Film Review

Reference to Jackie Chan: none available

Every man needs a Ricky Stanicky

Admittedly, the comedy genre has been dead for a long time. When was the last time there was a real comedy? You’d think that in today’s chaotic times, people would be craving more hilarity and light fare. Perhaps that’s exactly what RICKY STANICKY (2024) was trying to do.

The film was actually announced back in 2010. Back then with James Franco as STANICKY. After him, Joaquin Phoenix (WTF!), Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage (hell yeah!) and finally John Cena were all up for the role. It’s safe to say that the dynamic of the film would have been completely different with any of these actors.

John Cena, you either like him or you don’t. The kid definitely has fun as an actor, because you can tell that not only from his characters in the film, but also from himself when it comes to promoting his projects. Okay, except for HIDDEN STRIKE (2023) with Jackie Chan, somehow nobody was up for that.

Personally, I’m a fan of the BAD FRIENDS podcast with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino, who plays JT in the film. BAD FRIENDS isn’t for everyone, sometimes taboos are crossed for me too, but hey, art is apparently allowed to do anything. Even putting John Cena in girls’ clothes and singing *** songs.

As politically incorrect and therefore refreshing as the BAD FRIENDS podcast is, RICKY STANICKY comes across as stiff. It’s clear that certain Hollywood units have a say here, but you can tell that the producers are trying to be both liberally progressive and conservatively tried and tested at the same time. A balancing act that would even make JCVD sweat.

As a comedy, RICKY STANICKY doesn’t come close to blockbusters from the rhetorically savvy 80s or the progressive 90s. It is light fare, a change from everyday life with a few really good jokes and a few not so good ones.

The film is meant to be entertaining and it is. If you can overlook a few things with a raised index finger, you can spend a relaxed Sunday evening here.

Good 5.7 out of 10 stars

Original trailer | “RICKY STANICKY” (2024)

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