Joy Ride is proof raunchy comedies are here to stay.
Writer/director Judd Apatow made a name in this genre from Knocked Up to 40 Year Old Virgin. These films made Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd & Jonah Hill household names.
Apatow in 2011 produced Bridemaids starring SNL alum Maya Rudolph & Kristen Wiig.
This, I feel, was the first step in leveling the playing field where the audience proved crass humor wasn’t just for the guys anymore. It was a box office smash earning 10 times its budget. Bridesmaids had critical success getting Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay & giving Melissa McCarthy a nom for Best Supporting.
Six years later Will Packer’s Girls Trip was released. And though it wasn’t the critical darling Bridesmaids was, #OscarsSoWhite, it was a huge success being the highest grossing live action comedy in 2017 earning $140 million off a $19 million budget. It also was a star making vehicle for Tiffany Haddish.
Frequent Apatow collaborators Will Ferrell & Seth Rogen are now carrying the torch.
Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez produced female led Booksmart and Seth Rogen’s Point Grey produced tween comedy Good Boys & now Joy Ride.
Joy Ride stars these actresses who are all going to China. The lead’s goal is to finalize a deal which will make her a partner at her law firm. Her best friend is framed as a slacker who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. The best friend’s cousin tags along as the K-pop obsessed social awkward third wheel.
The lead meets up with her college best friend who is now a star on a popular Chinese drama. She offers to be a translator since she’s not American Born Chinese.
Quickly we, as the audience, join the crew on an adventure from their luggage getting stolen to have an impromptu rap performance.
This film is hilarious, there are call backs that you won’t see coming and a reveal that will make your jaw drop.
Everyone played their position and you could tell they had fun making this movie.
I truly enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to anyone who wants to laugh and it’s afraid to cringe at times.
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