Joy Ride (2023) Comedy Movie Review
From the moment Audrey and Lolo met as kids, they were inseparable. They stood out as a few of the only Asian Americans in a predominantly white town in the Pacific Northwest. When they faced racism from a bully on the playground, Lolo didn't hesitate to throw a punch, leaving Audrey amazed. Since that day, they stuck together through school, the start of their careers, and some questionable decisions.
%20Comedy%20Movie%20Review.jpg "Joy Ride (2023) Comedy Movie Review")
Joy Ride (2023) Comedy Movie Review
In her first-ever movie, Adele Lim takes daring steps with the cheeky road trip comedy "Joy Ride." The film treads a fine line between exploring deep questions about belonging and throwing outlandish jokes for a shock. It's like Lim, along with co-writers Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, looked at the wild antics in Malcolm D. Lee's "Girls Trip" and decided to top them. In "Joy Ride," the crew indeed ramps up the craziness, but whether it works depends on how much you enjoy bold and naughty humor.
Like many group movies, the real strength of "Joy Ride" lies in its cast, and it doesn't disappoint. The main drama revolves around Ashley Park and Sherry Cola's characters, whose relationship undergoes shifts and growth throughout the journey, leading to moments of self-discovery. Park plays the classic high-achiever with all the flaws that can come with it, while Cola's character, with a seemingly calm demeanor, stirs up problems with an optimistic twist.
Adding to the mix are Sabrina Wu's unpredictable Deadeye and Stephanie Hsu's Kat, whose troubled past haunts her despite efforts to change. While not everything in "Joy Ride" flows seamlessly, Adele Lim's movie is a lot of messy, enjoyable fun. It's mostly light-hearted but occasionally deep in its thoughts on identity and friendships. The cast fully embraces the wild antics, taking the opportunity to be mischievous and explore the boundaries of raunchy comedy. Despite its twists and turns, "Joy Ride" proudly stays true to itself and the central friendship that kicks off this entertaining adventure.