Metacritic Movie Ratings
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 80

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  Talladega Nights may be brash, unbridled, even unhinged, but its cornpone humor is rich in parody, and its craftsmanship is superb -- smart writing, shrewd direction, precisely calibrated performances (whether the calibration calls for delicacy or broad-gauge burlesque), inventive language, inspired silliness and all-but-flawless timing.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  The races are scorchingly shot, and they lend the movie a zest.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Like "Anchorman," the secret to the inspired absurdity of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is in the improv.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesDana Stevens

  As a cultural artifact, Talladega Nights is both completely phony and, therefore, utterly authentic. Or, to put it differently: this movie is the real thing. It's finger lickin' good. It's eatin' good in the neighborhood. It's the King of Beers. It's Wonder Bread.

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• 70

  out of 100

  VarietyRobert Koehler

  Simultaneously teasing and loving a subject doesn't make for easy comedy, but writer-star Will Ferrell and director/co-writer Adam McKay pull it off with good-ol'-boy good nature in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  A bit of a mess, but it is a genial mess, and one that will make you laugh. Which is the whole idea.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterSheri Linden

  From its pitch-perfect title through just about every detail, this sendup of sports-triumph movies maintains the right parodic pitch, if not always the highest mph on the laugh speedometer.

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