Ripped movie review & film summary - Movie16

 

Ripped Review: A Lighthearted Stoner Comedy That Struggles to Blaze

The summer movie season is often synonymous with fun, quirky films that offer a reprieve from the sweltering heat and the daily grind. Stoner comedies, in particular, have a unique ability to entertain with their laid-back humor and offbeat characters. Classics like The Big Lebowski, How High, and Half Baked have cemented their place in pop culture, combining comedy with memorable storytelling. In 2017, Ripped attempted to join the ranks of these stoner classics, but its mild humor and underwhelming execution leave much to be desired.

Directed by Brad Epstein, Ripped stars comedian Russell Peters as Harris and Faizon Love as Reeves, two pot-loving slackers from the 1980s. The film’s central premise revolves around the duo’s misadventures with a mysterious strain of marijuana that catapults them 30 years into the future. While this concept promises plenty of laughs, the execution often falls short, leaving viewers with a mildly amusing yet forgettable experience.

A Familiar Pair of Slackers

Harris and Reeves are introduced as quintessential stoners navigating the Reagan-era America of the 1980s. Their lives revolve around their stash, food cravings, and avoiding any form of responsibility. Harris, played by Russell Peters, is slightly more grounded, exhibiting occasional moments of common sense. Reeves, on the other hand, is the comedic heart of the duo, brought to life by Faizon Love’s physical comedy and goofy expressions.

The early scenes capture the essence of classic stoner humor. There are plenty of laughs to be had as the duo stumbles through their smoke-filled escapades, delivering the kind of humor one might expect from a Cheech and Chong homage. While these moments are amusing, they lack the originality or depth that elevate a film into the stoner comedy hall of fame.

A Time-Travel Twist

The plot takes a fantastical turn when Harris and Reeves encounter a special strain of marijuana that knocks them out for 30 years. They wake up in the present day, still mentally stuck in the 1980s. This time-travel element sets the stage for fish-out-of-water humor as the duo attempts to navigate the internet, smartphones, and modern social norms.

While the premise is intriguing, the film barely scratches the surface of its potential. The jokes about technology and cultural shifts are predictable and fail to leave a lasting impression. The time-travel conceit, which could have been a rich source of comedy and insight, feels more like a narrative afterthought.

Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities

One of the most interesting aspects of the story is Harris’ reunion with Debbie, a girl he had a brief romantic interest in during the 1980s. Now a forty-something single mom played by Alex Meneses, Debbie’s character offers a glimpse of emotional depth in an otherwise shallow narrative. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t fully explore this dynamic, opting instead to focus on quick laughs.

The nostalgia of seeing these 1980s slackers in a modern setting is entertaining, but it’s not enough to carry the film. Viewers hoping for a clever exploration of generational differences or a heartfelt reunion story may leave disappointed.

Performances and Humor

Faizon Love shines as Reeves, delivering most of the film’s funniest moments with his larger-than-life personality. His physical comedy and self-satisfied grin make him a likable presence, even when the material falls flat. Russell Peters’ performance as Harris is more subdued, offering a grounded counterbalance to Reeves’ antics.

While the duo has good chemistry, the humor is hit-or-miss. The gags often rely on stoner stereotypes and predictable punchlines, resulting in a film that’s more amusing than genuinely funny. For fans of the genre, Ripped may provide a few chuckles, but it lacks the sharp wit and memorable moments of its predecessors.

Verdict: A Middling Addition to the Genre

Ripped is a lighthearted comedy that offers a few laughs but ultimately fails to make a significant impact. Its time-travel premise, while promising, feels underutilized, and the humor is too reliant on well-worn stoner tropes. While Faizon Love’s performance stands out, the film’s lack of originality and shallow storytelling prevent it from reaching the heights of classic stoner comedies.

For viewers looking for a laid-back, low-stakes movie to pass the time, Ripped might fit the bill. However, those seeking a standout entry in the stoner comedy genre may want to revisit favorites like The Big Lebowski or Half Baked. Ripped is mildly amusing but ultimately goes up in smoke, leaving only a faint trace of its comedic potential.

Closing Thoughts

In a genre that thrives on creativity and offbeat humor, Ripped is a reminder of the fine line between homage and mediocrity. While it has its moments, the film struggles to stand out in a crowded field of far more memorable stoner comedies. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or a casual viewer, Ripped is an easy watch that won’t demand much of your time—but it’s also unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

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All rights remain with their respective owners. We are providing this content for informational and entertainment purposes only. All rights reserved. Director: Brad Epstein Writers: Billiam Coronel, Brad Epstein Stars: Faizon Love, Russell Peters, Kyle Massey, Alex Meneses, Carlos Gomez 2017 All rights reserved All of the content on this channel is under legal license from various copyright holders and distributors. We ask you to please contact Youtube if you believe there are any copyright issues via - contact Youtube