During a relatively gloomy time for movies, “Ricky Stanicky” on Amazon Prime was a pleasant surprise.
First and foremost, it dares to be a comedy at a time when comedies have become an endangered species in popular entertainment. While global markets, woke sensibilities, and changing viewing formats have largely made comedy films a bad bet, “Ricky Stanicky,” a film done in the style of “The Hangover” or “Hot Tub Time Machine,” proves there’s still a place for stories about knuckleheads getting caught up in their idiotic schemes and making fools of themselves. In this case, the scheme is hiring an actor to play a made-up person whom three friends have always used as a scapegoat to get out of trouble.
Moreover, “Ricky Stanicky” actually has a moral message: Be honest. Granted, it’s a basic message, but this stands out from other recent comedies that tend toward the cynical and absurd. Even if ditching the moral message might be truer to life, keeping it brings about satisfaction and gives the movie a point. The film persuasively argues that even the best-kept lies will catch up with someone, and they will ultimately prevent personal growth and damage relationships.
As for the movie’s namesake, John Cena’s portrayal of the fictitious “Ricky” is really funny. He essentially carries the film by playing the role of a failed actor, Rod Rimestead, who makes a living by singing lewd versions of popular songs in a dive bar in Atlantic City. Somehow, despite being a hulking
