Everyone's a critic: 'Talladega Nights'

Two stars (out of four)

Many times an Oscar Award-winning movie has left me wondering what all the hoopla was about. I must admit, I set the expectation bar low for "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." In this movie Will Ferrell takes a satirical, if not over-the-top, approach to an ego-driven NASCAR driver. The fiercely competitive Bobby goes from rags to riches and back as he and his best bud (John C. Reilly) face the trials and tribulations of friendship and fame.

Ferrell throws out all the stops in the name of comedy. I would definitely recommend this movie to serious Will Ferrell fans and for those who, in the words of Ricky Bobby, "wanna drive fast." While I acknowledge this story was surprisingly amusing, the comedy in this film was a bit tawdry and trite.

-- Jerry Swan