Male-oriented buddy comedies often portray the women in their lives as burdens, despite their physical beauty and emotional wisdom. However, Prime Video's Ricky Stanicky offers a refreshing take on this trope by delving into a more complex and interesting story.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, known for films like Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary, Ricky Stanicky combines toilet humor with relationship drama for adults. The R-rated comedy follows Dean (played by Zac Efron) and his friends JT and Wes (portrayed by Andrew Santino and Jermaine Fowler) as they invent a fictional friend, Ricky Stanicky, to avoid responsibilities and troubles. When Dean's girlfriend Erin (played by Lex Scott Davis) and others insist on meeting Ricky, the trio enlists Rod (John Cena) to impersonate the imaginary friend.
Working With Zac Efron Is A Dream Come True For Lex Scott Davis
Screen Rant recently caught up with Lex Scott Davis to discuss her role as Erin in the movie Ricky Stanicky. During the interview, Davis expressed her excitement about working with Efron in both dramatic and comedic scenes. She also talked about what sets Erin apart as a well-rounded character and how her own childhood mischief differed from the characters in the film.
Zac Efron as Dean and Lex Scott Davis as Erin arguing in Ricky Stanicky - Working With Zac Efron Is A Dream Come True For Lex Scott Davis
Screen Rant: You and Zac Efron have a really nice chemistry onscreen. What was the dynamic like offscreen and building the relationship together with him as a scene partner?
Lex Scott Davis had nothing but praise for Zac, describing him as fantastic. Despite the limited time spent together while filming, she shared how they grew to love their scene partners and the entire cast. The bond they formed was strong, creating unforgettable memories during their time in Australia. It felt like a close-knit camp, with only each other for company.
From the moment Lex and Zac met, they hit it off instantly. They enjoyed each other's company, discussing life, acting, and sharing insights. She admired Zac's passion for the art form and learned a lot from him. Even though they were working on a comedy, she appreciated his dedication and respected his commitment to the craft. Coming from a background in dramatic acting, she found it refreshing to see his enthusiasm.
In "Ricky Stanicky," Erin is portrayed as more than just a "fun sucker." She truly values character development and storytelling, even in a comedy setting. Zac, the director, is not only fantastic but also incredibly supportive. He always acknowledges and appreciates the actors' performances, making the filming experience enjoyable. Erin would gladly collaborate with Zac again in the future.
Lex Scott Davis in Ricky Stanicky - Why Erin Is So Much More Than A "Fun Sucker" In Ricky Stanicky
I had a great time watching Ricky Stanicky, especially enjoying Erin and Dean's relationship. It's full of love and honesty, but it's surprising that Dean is hiding such a big secret from Erin. Could you share your thoughts on their relationship in the beginning of the movie?
Lex Scott Davis portrays a character deeply in love with her partner at the beginning of the movie. Their dog, Dean, points out their strong bond and supportive relationship. He encourages her journalism journey and wants the best for her, which is evident when she discusses applying for a new position.
In return, she is equally supportive of him. She understands his concern for Ricky, who has just received devastating news about his cancer returning. Despite any sacrifices they may have to make or plans they had, she prioritizes Ricky's well-being and wants him to be there for their friend, as he has always been there for Dean.
Erin is often seen as the one who ruins the fun, but she actually wants to be involved. How does an actor navigate this and get help from Peter Farrelly?
Lex Scott Davis shares that she aims to stay true to the situation and support her partner's friendships. She believes in encouraging friendships within a relationship, just like Dean and Erin in the movie. Erin is fine with Dean having his time with the boys.
When they all get together, it's always a blast. Whether they're bowling or enjoying other activities, the film captures their fun moments. Real friends and their partners blend seamlessly in these scenes. It's all about embracing the authenticity of their bond. Erin and I never want to ruin the fun - we're all about creating memorable experiences. Peter also plays a part in giving us the freedom to let loose and enjoy ourselves.
Real Friends: Keeping the Fun Alive
The cast of Ricky Stanicky celebrating - When Real Friends Make Trouble, There's No Ricky Stanicky Required
Did you in your childhood have a Ricky Stanicky equivalent? What kind of mischief did you make?
Ricky Stanicky
Lex Scott Davis shared that she is an only child and admitted to having imaginary friends when she was younger. As she grew older, she got into mischief and started getting into trouble in ninth grade. However, by that time, she had real friends to get into trouble with, not just imaginary ones.
John Cena with his arms up in Ricky Stanicky - About Ricky Stanicky
"RICKY STANICKY" is a hilarious R-rated comedy that follows the story of a childhood prank that spirals into a long-standing lie. Starring Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler as childhood pals Dean, JT, and Wes, the trio invent a fake friend named Ricky Stanicky. When they hire John Cena's character, celebrity impersonator "Rock Hard" Rod, to portray Ricky Stanicky, things take an unexpected turn.
Check out our other interviews with:
Andrew Santino & Jermaine Fowler
Peter Farrelly & William H. Macy
Ricky Stanicky premieres March 7 on Prime Video.
Source: Screen Rant Plus
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an insightful look into the movie "Ricky Stanicky" and its refreshing approach to the portrayal of women in male-oriented buddy comedies. Lex Scott Davis's interview sheds light on her experience working with Zac Efron and the dynamic they created onscreen and offscreen. Davis's enthusiasm for the project and her admiration for Efron's dedication to his craft are evident throughout the interview.
It is refreshing to see a movie that challenges the common trope of women being portrayed as burdens in buddy comedies. "Ricky Stanicky" presents a more complex and well-rounded character in Erin, who is not only supportive of her partner but also has her own passions and goals. The article highlights the importance of character development and storytelling, even in a comedy setting, and how it can elevate the overall quality of the film.