“Joy Ride” is a 2023 American comedy directed by Adele Lim in her directorial debut, and written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, based on a story by Lim, Chevapravatdumrong, and Hsiao. The film stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu, with Ronny Chieng, Meredith Hagnery, and David Denman among others.
The film achieves something quite difficult in pure comedy: naturalness.
Synopsis
Four Asian-American friends bond and discover the truth of what it means to know and love who they are while traveling through China in search of one of their biological mothers.
About the Film
A comedy about integration and cultural differences in a kind and enjoyable movie that is also funny. Without too many complications or gimmicks, these four comedians join forces in a road movie through China.
The film skillfully balances hilarity with emotion, making it a sure hit at the box office. As always in comedy, it depends on the talent and inspiration of its protagonists, and don’t be surprised, they are inspired, and their director knows how to make the most of their evident talents by providing the setting and situations for the four friends to shine.
“Joy Ride” achieves something difficult in comedy, as it manages to be hilarious without being too affected (who knows what Jim Carrey would think of this). Undoubtedly, the protagonists have had a lot to do with it, as they develop simple and seemingly unremarkable characters.
Our Opinion
A well-executed “buddy movie,” perfect in its genre, that knows how to be funny when necessary, kind when required, and tender when the audience needs a break.
Director
The Cast
David Denman
Annie Mumolo
Chris Pang
Isla Rose Hall
Desmond Chiam
