Tropic Sprockets / Joy Ride

By Ian Brockway

In the tradition of “Bridesmaids,” “The Hangover” and “Knocked Up,” Adele Lim’s debut “Joy Ride” is a pitch perfect raunch comedy with a pleasant heart. The rapid dialogue and irreverent humor might not put you in perpetual stitches, but you are sure to have belly laughs by the barrel full.  [Check Tropiccinema.com for showtimes and trailer.]

Lawyer Audrey (Ashley Park) and mixed media artist Lolo (Sherry Cola) are childhood friends in the tradition of The Odd Couple. Lolo, who is experiencing hard times, lives with her upscale friend.

Lolo suggests a trip to Beijing and as fate would have it, the plan coincides with a business opportunity for Audrey.

Both are excited about the change of scene.

At the airport, Lolo meets up with her unusual cousin Deadeye (Sabrina Wu). 

Because Lolo and Deadeye are starstruck, they scheme an on-set visit to a daytime soap and the glamorous Kat (Stephanie Tsu), and she recognizes Audrey an old roommate.

There follows a series of madcap misadventures, regarding the search for Audrey’s birth mother and a drug bust on a train.

This film is better than its plot ingredients which involve one off center joke after another and each actor, many of them comedians, have brilliant verve and rapport.

In addition to the zany antics, the story shifts into poignance and pathos as Audrey discovers her stepdad.

The congenial affection of the film makes a perfect companion to “No Hard Feelings,” now sharing the screens at the Tropic. Both films highlight a great spirit and camaraderie under the guise of risqué humor.

Better still, this is one of the few films with an all-Asian cast and this should not be underestimated. 

Come for the laughs and stay for the warmth, this Joyride lives up to its title.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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