Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Performance & Direction: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Review
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby features a noteworthy lineup led by Will Ferrell . Supported by the likes of John C. Reilly and Sacha Baron Cohen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Quick Plot Summary: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. The fastest man on four wheels, Ricky Bobby, is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A big, hairy American winning machine, Ricky has everything a dimwitted daredevil could want, a luxurious mansion, a smokin' hot wife, and all the fast food he can eat. But Ricky's turbo-charged lifestyle hits an unexpected speed bump when he's bested by flamboyant Euro-idiot Jean Girard and reduced to a fear-ridden wreck. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Ending Breakdown: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $72.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $163.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Budget
The estimated production budget for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is $72.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
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Where to Watch Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Online?
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Apple TV StoreTalladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby worth watching?
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby?
The total duration of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
