Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
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An immature yet successful NASCAR driver must navigate the complexities of fame, rivalry, and personal identity in the high-stakes world of professional racing.
The story
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby is a successful but immature driver who lives by the mantra, 'If you ain't first, you're last.' After rising through the ranks and forming a formidable partnership with his best friend, Cal Naughton Jr., Ricky's growing arrogance leads to a rift in their relationship and a professional setback. Following a traumatic crash and a subsequent fall from grace, Ricky finds himself at a crossroads. He must navigate a period of personal reflection and struggle to regain his confidence and his place on the track while dealing with the consequences of his impulsive lifestyle.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Ricky Bobby, a NASCAR driver who lives by the mantra 'If you ain't first, you're last,' becomes a superstar alongside his best friend, Cal Naughton Jr. Their success is challenged by the arrival of Jean Girard, a talented French Formula One driver. After a crash leaves Ricky traumatized and out of the sport, he falls into a slump, loses his wife, and is forced to work as a delivery driver. His father, Reese, returns to help him regain his confidence through unconventional methods. Ricky eventually returns to the track for the Talladega 500. During the race, he faces off against Girard. In a final twist, a massive multi-car wreck eliminates most competitors. On the final lap, Ricky and Girard collide and both exit their cars to run toward the finish line. Ricky crosses first and kisses Girard, but both are disqualified. Cal, who remains in third place, is declared the winner. Ricky reconciles with Cal and realizes that his family's love is more important than winning.
- First release year
- 2006
- Runtime (minutes)
- 108
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Adam McKay
- Writers
- Will Ferrell · writer; Adam McKay · writer
- Cast and characters
- Will Ferrell · Ricky Bobby; John C. Reilly · Cal Naughton Jr.; Sacha Baron Cohen · Jean Girard; Gary Cole · Reese Bobby; Michael Clarke Duncan · Lucius Washington; Leslie Bibb · Carley Bobby/Naughton; Jane Lynch · Lucy Bobby; Amy Adams · Susan
- Genres
- sports comedy; satire
- Themes
- Ambition; Friendship; Identity
- Tone and mood
- Satirical; Humorous
- Premise and plot tags
- Sports; Comedy; NASCAR
- Content notes
- Language
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics who praised its satire, humor, and the chemistry between the lead actors. It was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 72% · scale: percentage · review count: 186; Metacritic · score: 66 · scale: 100 · review count: 33
- Awards and nominations
- Teen Choice Award · winning films · win
- Production trivia
- The film's title was originally 'High, Wide and Handsome' during development.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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