‘Ricky Stanicky’ Review: If Zac Efforn and John Cena Can’t Save This Movie, Then No One Can

Imagine having a friend’s invisible pal called Ricky Stanicky, who pops up sporadically with dramatic tales like testicular cancer or surprise returns from charity work. Annoying, right? Now, picture him interrupting a baby shower, causing chaos and even making someone miss their child’s birth. That’s exactly the kind of absurdity you’ll find in ‘Ricky Stanicky,’ a buddy comedy directed by Peter Farrelly.

In the film, three childhood friends – Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino) and Wes (Jermaine Fowler) – use the fictional Ricky Stanicky as a scapegoat for their misadventures. From burning down a house during Halloween to dodging responsibilities, Ricky becomes their go-to excuse, complete with elaborate backstories and even a fake Instagram account.

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As adults, the trio’s immaturity knows no bounds. They skip JT’s wife’s baby shower for a concert, leaving their partners to deal with the fallout. While comedy protagonists don’t always have to be likeable, these guys miss the mark entirely. Their banter feels tired, and the jokes about immaturity wear thin quickly.

Enter Rod, played by John Cena, a failed actor turned rock and roll impersonator. When the gang needs a cover-up for their latest blunder, Rod transforms into the suave Ricky Stanicky. Cena’s commitment to the role is commendable, but even his performance can’t salvage the film’s lacklustre humour.

At nearly two hours long, ‘Ricky Stanicky’ overstays its welcome. Farrelly’s direction fails to elevate the unlikeable characters or the crude humour. Despite some laughs, the persistent dick jokes and unlikable heroes make it a challenging watch.

While Efron brings charm to his role, Santino’s character leaves a sour taste. Fowler’s Wes adds a touch of chaos, but it’s not enough to redeem the film’s shortcomings. In the end, ‘Ricky Stanicky’ falls short of its potential. While it has its moments, it’s ultimately an uneasy ride that leaves much to be desired.