A response to the motion picture Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Heather Laine Talley, Monica J. Casper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing superstar Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) and his racing partner and best friend Cal Noughton Jr. (John C. Reilly) win at all costs, in positions #1 and #2, respectively. That is, until flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) challenges the duo and threatens to supplant their racing dynasty. A dramatic wreck, complete with invisible fire and Ricky Bobby stripping down to his underpants, forces the beleaguered racer to confront what his winning record has cost him. After returning to his childhood home, his stern but loving mother (Jane Lynch) and long-absent badass father (Gary Cole) challenge him to question whether his multimillion-dollar endorsements, McMansion, Barbiesque wife, and cheeky kids represent what being a winner is really all about.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)434-439
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Auto racing
  • Class
  • Masculinity
  • Satire

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science

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