NEW YORK: “Joy Ride,” the uproarious and delightfully crude comedy, takes audiences on a wild adventure filled with laughter and unexpected emotional moments. Directed by Adele Lim in her debut, this raunchy road trip film thrives on the talents of its superb cast, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The film’s success lies in its ability to capture the audience’s attention from the get-go. The pivotal moment comes early on when Ashley Park’s character swallows a repulsive concoction during a drinking contest, showcasing her expert comic timing and leaving viewers in stitches. Park, along with the rest of the brilliant ensemble, delivers similarly memorable moments throughout the movie.
The quartet of actors shines in their respective roles, each bringing their comedic gold to the table. Park portrays an ambitious and uptight lawyer who not only has to be funny but also carries the weight of the narrative. Sherry Cola impresses as a cheerfully profane struggling artist, while Sabrina Wu charms as an awkward, K-pop-obsessed cousin. Stephanie Hsu’s performance as a soap opera diva adds to the film’s comic brilliance. Their collective efforts create a synergy that leaves audiences united in laughter, despite their varying thresholds for gross-out humor.
Story of Joy Ride Film
“Joy Ride” begins by introducing Audrey, played by Park, as a child growing up in suburban Washington state. Adopted by a white family, Audrey befriends Lolo, from a Chinese family, after the latter fearlessly confronts a racist bully. Fast forward to the present, and Audrey, now a competitive lawyer, finds herself in her hometown of White Hills, facing an opportunity for a big promotion. However, she must seal an important deal in Beijing, despite her lack of Mandarin skills.
Enter Lolo, who becomes Audrey’s translator but sees this as a chance for her friend to reconnect with her Asian roots. The film takes a hilarious turn when Audrey and her motley crew embark on a road trip to Beijing to find her birth mother. Alongside Lolo, Audrey’s former college roommate Kat (played by Hsu) and Deadeye, Lolo’s cousin, join the adventure. The outlandish and sometimes contrived plot allows for plenty of comedic possibilities.
While “Joy Ride” primarily serves as a laugh-out-loud comedy, it also delves into deeper themes of identity, assimilation, and anti-Asian racism. The screenwriters, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, explore these issues within and beyond the Asian community, providing thought-provoking moments amidst the raucous humor.
The film’s hilarious escapades continue as the group encounters unexpected twists and turns, including encounters with questionable train companions and a memorably raunchy night. Even a scandalous, full-frontal vaginal tattoo finds its way into the story, pushing boundaries while maintaining the laughter. However, the movie takes a dramatic pivot when Audrey’s journey to meet her birth mother yields an unforeseen outcome, leaving the audience teary-eyed and emotionally moved.
“Joy Ride,” released by Lionsgate, has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America, featuring strong and crude sexual content, pervasive language, drug references, and brief graphic nudity. With a runtime of 95 minutes, this film earns three stars out of four for its comedic prowess and standout performances.
