Details from IMDB:
When three childhood best friends pull a prank that goes wrong, they invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble. Twenty years later, they still use the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior.
Initial Thoughts:
It’s really something how John Cena has come into his own not as a wrestler, but as a (mostly) comedic actor. He tends to play the same (or similar) characters in a lot of movies he does but they all work and I appreciate the familiarity of watching a movie and knowing that I will get some laughs. Zac Efron has always gotten much better at comedy and so while I knew this wasn’t going to be a great movie, it was one my wife would watch as we both got stoned on Sunday night.
Main Points:
While this movie has a completely ridiculous plot, a made up person used as an excuse for 3 guys to lie and do stuff on their own, I laughed and I like how the movie just kept going with the strange, just keep upping the ante (without getting into cringe worthy/gross territory). Cena is funny and heartfelt as the loveable loser who somehow comes through every time. Efron has become better as a comedic actor and he has his moments too.
This is exactly the kind of movie for you to get stoned (if you partake and its legal where you are), laugh and come along for the ride. A straightforward movie with a wholesome message, if your life isn’t working become a better version of yourself/reinvent yourself. It’s never to late to become the best version of yourself.
Final Thoughts:
I know it’s just another John Cena wacky R rated comedy but I still had plenty of laugh out loud moments and I think the message (while a little convoluted) is a good one. All that said the plot is rubbish and the actors can only help so much, still I give it a 6 out of 10 and if you like Cena (and Efron) it could be worth a watch. Not for kids, due to language and adult content, ages 17+. As I said before, get in the right state of mind, turn off your critical thinking and just enjoy it.