Joy Ride Review: The best R-rated comedy in nearly a decade

Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu take no prisoners in the best R-rated comedy since 2014’s 22 Jump Street in Joy Ride.

The story conjured by writers Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao as well as director Adele Lim follows a group of four Asian Americans as they travel to China in search of Audrey’s (Park) birth mother. Joy Ride is a raunchy comedy through and through. You’ll never think of a Theragun or former NBA player Baron Davis the same way again. Joy Ride balances the sexcapades and insane setpieces with genuine hearts through the road trip and the bonds of friendship.

Joy Ride begins by focusing on the childhood friendship between Audrey and Lolo (Cola). As the only Asians in a predominately white community (the town is literally called White Hills), Audrey and Lolo become fast friends. Audrey is a classic overachiever. She’s determined to thrive while assimilating to white culture and doesn’t speak Chinese. Lolo is all about standing out. She is a sex-positive artist who lives in a small hut in Audrey’s yard. Audrey’s promotion to partner at a law firm hinges on her ability to close a deal in China. Since Lolo speaks the language, it becomes a girl’s trip.

Lolo surprises Audrey by bringing her K-Pop-obsessed cousin along. Then Audrey surprises Lolo in China by introducing Lolo to Audrey’s other best friend Kat. Lolo and Kat don’t get along at first despite their similarities. Kat used to be sex-obsessed like Lolo, but appears to be reformed now that she’s engaged to her hot Christian boyfriend.

The comedy and bonds forged between the four women are incredible. Joy Ride‘s ending is a little comedically underwhelming. However, I’m not sure how you continue the story after the emotional wallop of Audrey reconnecting with her roots in the 3rd act.

The Blackening, No Hard Feelings and Joy Ride form a terrific trio of comedies in 2023.

Joy Ride Review Score: 9.5

With the overview out of the way, let’s take a deeper look at this raunchy Lionsgate comedy. 

A Joy Ride in China

Audrey’s on the cusp of a massive promotion at work. Her boss, Frank, is the “supportive” boss who refers to himself as an “ally” at all times. Frank will reward Audrey with a partnership at the law firm if she lands an important client in China. Unfortunately, Audrey doesn’t know Chinese. Thankfully, her childhood best friend Lolo speaks fluid Chinese. The promotion involves moving to Los Angeles. Audrey believes some separation from Lolo would do them both some good.

The problem is Lolo lives life uninhibited. Audrey’s a little embarrassed by her friend’s lack of ambition and forwardness. Since the trip to China is a business trip, Audrey’s sex-positive vibe might not go over well with the client. However, Audrey can’t resist Lolo.

Audrey’s worst fears are realized when Lolo brings her cousin Deadeye along. The appropriately named Deadeye obsesses over K-Pop and is generally considered to be an outsider. There are a couple of great scenes between Deadeye and Audrey that seemed to indicate a crush or attraction on Deadeye’s end but that story doesn’t get teased until later in the film.

The setup for the road trip in Joy Ride is remarkably efficient. In a few scenes, the dynamic between Audrey and Lolo is established, which pays off wonderfully once Kat is introduced in China.

Childhood vs college friends

Once Audrey, Lolo and Deadeye arrive in China, they meet Kat on the set of her film. Kat is a different person from her time in college as Audrey’s best friend. In college, Kat was quite similar to Lolo. Sexually free, opinionated and someone who has Audrey’s back in the pinch. Her fiance, Clarence, is celibate. To reinforce the positive image he has of her, Kat lies about her past.

Kat and Lolo clash often in Joy Ride. They’re similar in many ways, but the major difference between them is Lolo’s lack of inhibitions. Some of the best comedic moments in Joy Ride come from Kat trying everything to resist sleeping with her ex. Hsu’s star is clearly on the rise

Chevapravatdumrong, Hsiao and Lim do an excellent job of developing the bond between these two rivals who are Audrey’s best friends. Lolo and Kat’s similar mindsets in how they watch out for and encourage Audrey helps bring out the best in their friend.

Culture Shock

Joy Ride is a sex-filled, raucous romp of a film. However, it’s a heartfelt journey featuring a young woman trying to find her birth mother and her place in the world.

When Lolo floats the idea of Audrey finding her birth parents, Audrey is hesitant. However, Audrey’s prospective client won’t sign on with Audrey’s firm unless she brings her birth mother to a party. For the client, family and knowing where you come from is important.

Faced with either losing the deal or finding her birth mother, Audrey decides to find her family in China. The story takes some surprising and moving turns in 3rd act including a terrific cameo by Daniel Dae Kim. Where this part of the story goes is remarkably emotional and real.

Joy Ride final thoughts

Overall, Joy Ride nails the combination of raunchy humor and heart while featuring four incredibly talented performers in the lead roles.

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