Movie Review: ‘Joy Ride’

The film stars Ashley Park (‘Beef’) as Audrey, Sherry Cola (‘Shortcomings’) as Lolo, Stephanie Hsu (‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’) as Kat, and Sabrina Wu as Deadeye. Directed by Adele Lim and written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Teresa Hsiao, and Adele Lim.

Initial Thoughts

Based on the pink band trailer for ‘Joy Ride,’ one might go into this film pondering it’s a comedy in the identical vein as ‘The Hangover,’ ‘Bridesmaids,’ or ‘Girls Trip.’ The movie has loads of hilarious and surprising moments, however at its core, it’s concerning the power of friendship and the journey of self-discovery. This film can have audiences laughing out loud and crying their eyes out, all on the identical time.

Story, Direction, and Representation

Director Adele Lim on the set of ‘Joy Ride.’ Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate. Copyright © 2023 Lionsgate.

The screenplay written by Adele Lim, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, and Teresa Hsiao hits the proper steadiness of comedy and coronary heart. We have seen it in lots of road-tripping comedies – a gaggle of pals go on a visit of a lifetime, a collection of unlucky occasions throw the whole lot into chaos, and hilarity ensues. But ‘Joy Ride’ doesn’t put jokes in it only for the sake of being raunchy or surprising. Yes, there are moments that’ll make you stomach giggle and barely uncomfortable, and it’s what makes this film enjoyable. But Lim knew when the jokes had run its course and didn’t really feel the necessity to rehash it till it was not humorous.

Some of the most effective moments to observe for are the interplay between the 4 pals – Audrey, Lolo, Deadeye, and Kat. The 4 leads have incredible chemistry and comedic timing, which elevates the film. Lolo is Audrey’s childhood finest pal and is happening the journey as her interpreter since Audrey doesn’t converse Chinese. Lolo’s unapologetic persona immediately juxtaposes Audrey’s “play-by-the-rules” nature and typically causes the group to get in bother. Then there’s the strain between Lolo and Kat – Audrey’s finest pal (and roommate) from school who’s a well-known actress in China. The two consistently bickered and tried to one-up one another for who was a greater pal to Audrey. This results in a hysterical second on the bar the place Audrey is meant to shut her business deal.

(L to R) Stephanie Hsu as Kat, Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Ashley Park as Audrey, and Sherry Cola as Lolo in ‘Joy Ride.’

Sabrina Wu’s Deadeye is maybe the quietest member of the group – and the funniest. Their quirky and shy disposition virtually makes them the outsider of the group, however it’s additionally their honest and earnest demeanor that makes them the center of the group.

As many of the movie takes place in China, loads of Chinese is spoken. And as somebody who’s bilingual, listening to Chinese in a movie at all times feels comforting, however listening to the jokes in Chinese obtained among the largest laughs out of me.

An R-rated comedy a few group of pals happening a highway journey isn’t new – however having 4 Asian feminine leads being raunchy and loud breaks the stereotype that Asian girls are reserved. In ‘Joy Ride’, the ladies take the rein on their sexuality and identification, unapologetically.

Related Article: Stephanie Hsu and Ashley Park Discuss Universality of ‘Joy Ride’

A Heartfelt Story About Self-Identity And Self Discover

(L to R) Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Sherry Cola as Lolo, Stephanie Hsu as Kat, Ashley Park as Audrey, and in ‘Joy Ride.’ Photo: Ed Araquel/Lionsgate. © 2023 Lionsgate.

In ‘Joy Ride,’ the story facilities on Ashley Park’s character Audrey. As a Chinese adoptee rising up in a mostly-white city, she by no means related to her roots. Her business journey to China permits her to search for her beginning mom, and at Lolo’s behest, she agrees to search for her.

As the movie goes on, we study that Audrey typically feels she doesn’t belong – she would not really feel Asian as a result of she doesn’t converse the language or have every other connection to her roots. Her pals joke about her being white, besides that she’s not. “I don’t belong anywhere,” Audrey says within the film as her frustration lastly will get the most effective of her.

Audrey’s wrestle with identification rings true for a lot of Asian Diaspora, typically being advised they don’t belong right here or there. Navigating this house could be fairly lonely as a result of regardless of how close-knit the household or circle of shut pals, they’ll say, “You’re not really Chinese” as a result of they’ve grown up within the United States or vice versa. For me, seeing the character undergo that have feels validating, and it gave the film an surprising however welcoming emotional tone.

Final Thoughts

‘Joy Ride’ is the funniest film of the 12 months. The jokes are well-timed and hilarious, and the tender moments between the buddies will tug at your heartstring. Lim, Chevapravatdumrong, and Hsiao know when to get raunchy and when to get severe with out it feeling tacky. They struck the proper steadiness between comedy and emotional moments, and it’s so satisfying to observe.

‘Joy Ride’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

(L to R) Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Ashley Park as Audrey, Stephanie Hsu as Kat and Sherry Cola as Lolo in ‘Joy Ride.’ Photo: Ed Araquel/Lionsgate. © 2023 Lionsgate.

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‘Joy Ride’ is produced by Lionsgate, Point Grey Pictures, and Red Mysterious Hippo. It is about to launch in theaters on July seventh, 2023.