FILM: JOYRIDE DELIVERS AN UNHINGED, UNAPOLOGETIC, COMEDY WITH PURE JOY AT ITS CORE

BY IRVIN RIVERA

Buckle up, folks! Joy Ride (written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Teresa Hsiao, Adele Lim) is one wild, heartwarming adventure that takes you on an exhilarating journey through the beautiful landscapes of self-discovery, friendship, and identity. Directed by Adele Lim, this comedy gem introduces us to four friends who are about to experience the rollercoaster ride of their lives.

Sabrina Wu, Ashley Park, Sherry Cola and Stephanie Hsu. Credit: Ed Araquel / Lionsgate

From the very start, Joy Ride has you on a bungee, freefalling through its pure unadulterated fun and shenanigans. It's a girls' trip like no other, and as our four heroines set out on their international escapade, you'll find yourself laughing, crying, and occasionally gasping in shock. The film masterfully combines raunchy humor with tender moments that make you want to just hug your closest friends after seeing it.

Ashley Park shines as Audrey, the lead character whose charm drives the film's narrative. While it might have seemed funny at first to see a Korean actress playing a Chinese character, the film cleverly addresses this and adds depth to Audrey's identity journey. Park's performance is pitch-perfect, and she skillfully leads the group through their ups and downs, allowing them to confront their issues together.

However, let's not forget the comedic powerhouse that is Sherry Cola. As Lolo, Audrey's irreverent and slightly chaotic and artistic childhood best friend, Cola's natural delivery of punchline after punchline steals the show. She brings a unique energy that complements the ensemble perfectly.

Stephanie Hsu, in her role as Kat, the Chinese soap star, is a revelation. Her ability to morph into any character she plays is truly impressive, and she can be just as funny and wild as her on-screen companions. Together, the chemistry between the four leads creates a genuine sense of camaraderie that makes you feel like you're part of the group.

Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Lolo's eccentric cousin, provides the perfect balance of comic relief and heart to the whole cast. Her quirky antics and genuine vulnerability add depth to the film's emotional core.

Moreover, Joy Ride is a groundbreaking film that brings much-needed Asian representation to the forefront. It's a celebration of Asian female comedians, proving that they can be incredibly funny while delivering a powerful narrative about universal themes. The film's exploration of love, happiness, loneliness, longing, sadness, family bonds, acceptance, and adventure speaks to the rawness of the human experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

One of the film's highlights has to be the introduction of the Fake K-Pop group, 'Brownie Tuesday,' singing their own rendition of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s hit song ‘WAP.’ It's both hilarious and surprising, adding another layer of delight to the already colorful story.

As a fan of "Emily in Paris," I couldn't help but enjoy the nods to Ashley Park's role as Mindy Chen, Emily's best friend in the show. It's these little details that add a touch of familiarity and extra charm to Joy Ride.

Joy Ride is a joyous and unapologetic cinematic experience that will leave you with a smile and tears on your face. It's filthy, it's beautiful, and it's thoughtful to its core. The film's authentic portrayal of friendship, identity, and self-discovery combined with its fantastic ensemble cast make it a must-watch. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a hilarious and touching ride through the heart and soul of four friends discovering what it truly means to know and love who they are.