Talladega Nights
The other day I watched this film called “Talladega Nights.” I honestly didn’t want to watch it at first since I’m not that fond of Will Ferrell, plus their ads somewhat insinuates that I will be watching a car race movie (uugghhh! I’d rather watch the animated movie “Cars” again and again!). But my companion, who happened to be his fan, swayed and assured me that we’ll both enjoy it. Then I thought, what a heck, It’s just a movie, it’ll not bite.
So there I was, watching… waiting for a sardonically slapstick scene so I can whisper “ang funny!” sarcastically to my companion… you know what it implies, don’t you? But for the whole duration of the film, I was either laughing or reflecting (as always!). Laughing at the scenes I thought was silly, and the casts’ hilarious performance. However, those silly scenes were amazingly worth pondering on. Like for instance, there’s this scene where Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) in one of his classroom activity back in grade school, met his father who came from nowhere after 10 years. After an unusual misunderstanding between his father and his teacher, his father was kicked out of the premises. Before leaving, he left his son with an indelible quote of his: “if you’re not first, you’re last.” As the usual motion picture goes: Ricky Bobby grew up, then due to unforeseen strange circumstances he became the fastest car racer in America, earned millions, got married, had kids, eventually ended up with a divorce that led to his wealth and career loss. Through it all, his guiding light was that very quote his father left him. Until such time he met his father again whom he allowed to help him overcome his fear of driving caused by a trauma during one of his race, and win back his title as the number one car racer in America. Not for long, he was able to conquer that fear. Over a dinner with his sons, mother, and father, celebrating his “rebirth” his father suddenly turned sore. Ruining a good occasion has been his habit. So once again, he was sent out of the restaurant by force. Ricky and his dad ended up on the street, exchanging spiteful words against each other. Then finally his father told him that he didn’t know what he was talking about because he was too high on drugs during the time he left him that thought/quote to ponder on for how many years! At that point, Ricky suddenly became confused, trying to find out what he’ll do next or where he’s going to. But he went on as planned. He went back on track and raced. However, he and his direct contender (enemy is the word) were disqualified and his buddy, whom he never gave the chance to win, got the title he came back for. Instead of leaving the arena in regret, he went up to his opponent to make up (…quite disgustingly), and recognized his best buddy as the champion. After accepting his defeat, he told his father who was waiting outside, “I did not win but I am still proud because when I was out there, I know I acted maturely.”
After the movie I felt the opposite of what I pre-empt before I went in the movie house. It wasn’t that bad after all. It was actually in that movie where I realized that there are a lot of remarkable inspirations waiting for us to be uncovered. Most of which are wrapped in small, unattractive packaging. In my case, it was parceled up in a movie with a lead cast whom I am not so much of a fan of, and ornamented by a poster ad that I would rather criticize than keep. It doesn’t always have to be grand!
