Ricky Stanicky 2024 Movie Review – Prime Video

Twenty years ago, a trio of friends concocted a fictional scapegoat named Ricky Stanicki to absolve themselves of their mischievous exploits. However, when their partners grow suspicious and insist on meeting the elusive Ricky Stanicki (played by John Cena), the friends enlist the help of a washed-up impostor to bring their imaginary friend to life.

In “Ricky Stanicky,” Zac Efron and John Cena headline a comedy of errors set to stream on Prime Video starting March 7th. This R-rated romp blends juvenile humor with nuanced character development, a hallmark of director Peter Farrelly’s previous hits like “There’s Something About Mary” and “Dumb and Dumber.” Efron’s character, Dean, forms a tight-knit trio with Andrew Santino’s JT and Jermaine Fowler’s Wes, relying on their imaginary fourth friend, “Ricky Stanicky,” whenever they need an excuse.

Santino portrays JT, a married man navigating a high-powered finance job and impending fatherhood, while Fowler depicts Wes, whose partner is growing weary of shouldering the emotional and financial burdens of their relationship. Together with Dean, they lean on “Ricky Stanicky” so frequently that their partners eventually demand to meet him face-to-face. This prompts the entrance of John Cena as Rock Hard Rod, the Vegas performer and dedicated method actor hired to deceive their loved ones (and employer) into believing they have it all together.