“Ricky Stanicky” is a humorous take on the true meaning of friendship. Released on March 7 by Amazon MGM Studios, this 113 minute-long R-rated film stars Zac Efron and John Cena, marking a significant milestone in Cena’s acting career beyond his wrestling fame and the occasional cameo.
“Ricky Stanicky” is an imaginary friend whom Dean (Efron) and his buddies made up to excuse their mishaps 20 years ago. Now established in their careers and relationships, the trio still find themselves leaning on Stanicky to navigate the comedic complexities of adult responsibilities.
As their family and friends grow skeptical and insist on meeting the famous Stanicky they rope in “Rock Hard Rod” to embody Ricky. However, things quickly get out of hand and the trio is faced with a decision that could cause their pile of lies to come crashing down.
Efron is at his comedic best too — managing to make the chaos of living a lie somehow endearing — but Cena steals the show, blending humor and a surprising depth that makes you root for Rod despite the madness.
Now, the film does kick off on a quirky note; there is a bit of a rush to get things going, and you might feel like you are lost in the plot. But once the movie hits its stride, it is continuous laughs and gasps.
As for lessons learned – besides not inventing imaginary friends to cover for bad behavior – it is all about the bonds of friendship, owning up to your actions, and, oddly enough, the art of ‘air dicking’. Yeah, it’s a thing in the movie, and trust me, as bizarre as it sounds it’s true in the best possible way.
Cena’s recent Oscar night stunt, where he presented the best costume design award to “Poor Things” nearly nude, is just one of many ways he challenges himself. His willingness to push boundaries and embrace a variety of roles is highlighted through his character as Rock Hard Rod.
“Ricky Stanicky” is a comedic highlight of the year offering viewers a hilarious and heartwarming escape into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Whether you’re a fan of Efron’s charm or Cena’s comedic prowess, “Ricky Stanicky” is a must-watch on Amazon Prime.
★★★★★ 5/5 stars
