LOS ANGELES (AP) – When the director Peter Farrelly decided to make what became the genre-defining romantic comedy “There's Something About Mary” more than 25 years ago with his brother Bobby, he knew it might take a little of persuasion for a studio to open the purse strings to push the boundaries. comedy.
“People are afraid to do comedy,” the Oscar-winning actor recalls. “We were lucky because there hadn't been a lot of R-rated comedies in a few years. Most of them were PG-13.
And although it had a rocky start at the box office, it ultimately became the third highest-grossing film in the year it was released.
From now on, Farrelly relies on this same thirst for vulgarity and depraved humor to “Ricky Stanicky», his latest comedy between friends with Zac Efron And John Cena which arrives on Prime Video on Thursday.
The film's script sat in limbo for over a decade with a host of big names including James Franco And Jim Carreyattached to it at different points.
And while the powers that be in Hollywood have expressed reservations about creating something that shatters certain stereotypes — like millennial parents and method actors — and is saturated with sexual and drug-related humor, Farrelly is convinced that it satiates his appetite.
“For a long time, people were afraid to achieve this. But the audience is dying for this kind of comedy,” he said.
Part of that concern stemmed from an uncertainty about what is too far and what is off-limits, a tension some comedians have expressed frustration about in recent years.
“All the things that have happened in the last five or seven years that have put people off acting have good reason. These are good changes,” Farrelly said. “I think about it all the time. But I believe that if your heart is in the right place and the characters' hearts are in the right place, then you can get away with murder.
“Ricky Stanicky” follows four childhood friends – well three and one imaginary. For 20 years, the trio has relied on an invented friend, Ricky Stanicky, whom the boys use to get out of troubles, obligations and even romantic relationships that aren't going well.
But as the responsibilities of adulthood risk exposing them to a lie, Dean (Efron) has the idea of hiring an actor (Cena) to play their imaginary friend and allay the doubts of those close to him about his existence.
Efron grew up loving Farrelly's films. Although “Dumb and Dumber” has always been the actor's favorite, he said “There's Something About Mary” is “very close.”
More than just a fan, Efron had previously worked with and developed an appreciation for the director when he starred alongside Russell Crowe in Farrelly's 2022 film, “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.”
“He cuts all the pipes and is just a great partner to work with.” He always tells you honestly how he feels and keeps you on track. I think that’s what I enjoy,” Efron said. “The characters face many hilarious circumstances throughout the film, but it remains grounded in heart and love. And I think that's just Pete.
Efron, who had just finished manufacturing physically and emotionally exhausting independent drama “The Iron Claw” said the filming of this project came at the perfect time. “It was exactly what I needed. I just needed to laugh and have fun,” he said.