Sacha Baron Cohen: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked
5 Awesome Performances...
5. Jean Girard - Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Its strange that a film about the crazy world NASCAR would translate outside of the US but Talladega Nights take on every rednecks favourite sport makes it seem equal parts thrilling and hilarious. While admittedly its another cut and paste Will Ferrell comedy, it has a lot of heart in there alongside the yelling and random outbursts. The real highlight of the film is Sacha Baron Cohens Jean Girard, a French Formula One driver who acts as protagonist, Ricky Bobbys arch nemesis. Throwing everything into the role and clearly relishing the opportunity to bounce off American comedy mainstays, Baron Cohens performance is spot on; from the vibrant accent to his eccentric mannerisms, few people could have made such a devious caricature so engaging. The key to his success in the movie is that he plays such a brilliant villain, equal parts stylish and insane (he wants to design a currency specifically for use by cats and dogs) his back and forth with Ferrell is infinitely entertaining. Talladega Nights showcases his innate ability to steal a scene and when he commits to a character as fully as he did with Jean Girard, you can guarantee that its Baron Cohen the audience will be talking about after the credits.
A pop culture mad writer from the North East who loves films, television and debating them with whoever will listen.
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