Take A Rowdy, Raunchy "Joy Ride"

Hey team,

In the mood for a filthy and fun comedy about friendship, family, and identity?

Well "Joy Ride" (2023) might be just the film for you!

"Joy Ride" tells the tale of two childhood best friends whose lives have taken dramatically different paths and whose bond is tested as they embark on an epic trip to China.  Audrey (played by Ashley Park) is a highly driven and high-achieving attorney gunning to be the model minority posterwoman, whereas Lolo (played by Sherry Cola) has seemingly done everything she can to divest herself from that trope as a maker of genitalia-centric art living in the guest house in Audrey's backyard.

As their voyage together unfolds, they gain two travel buddies in Audrey's college roommate (and, with Lolo, seemingly only other Asian friend) Kat, played by Stephanie Tsu, and Lolo's off-putting yet earnest cousin Deadeye, played by Sabrina Wu.  Plenty of tensions emerge between each of the members of this motley party, including the rivalry between Lolo and Kat for friendship primacy with Audrey and Deadeye's wish to fit in despite their decided oddness.  The group navigates these tensions with ample debauchery and silliness as well as a healthy helping of raw emotion, ultimately forming deep bonds.

The overall vibe of the film is very reminiscent of previous buddy comedies like "The Hangover" (2009), down to Deadeye functioning as a stand-in for Zach Galifianakis's Alan (minus the proclamations about wolf packs).  That acknowledged, "Joy Ride" has more to offer than just another round of gags driven by an abundance of substances and sex--although there are definitely plenty of those.  At its emotional climax, the movie is a surprisingly poignant and emotional contemplation of Audrey's experience as an international adoptee, and that experience has cut her off from important parts of her identity and history.

I can certainly appreciate this movie won't be for everyone.  It's raucous and bawdy and therefore not exactly high-brow entertainment, but its unabashed silliness is nevertheless refreshing.  It's a fun ride for those who are game.

I gave the movie a 4.

{Heart}