Review: Mark Wahlberg Stars in Peter Farrelly's Gross-Out Comedy 'Balls Up'
Peter Farrelly’s latest solo directorial effort, 'Balls Up,' is a ribald World Cup-themed buddy comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser. The film follows Elijah, a shy product designer of a unique male prophylactic, and Brad, an arrogant salesman who ruins a deal with the Brazilian government by causing a cabinet minister to relapse into alcoholism. After their company collapses and they are fired, the duo receives VIP tickets to the World Cup final as compensation. However, they drunkenly interfere with the match, becoming enemies of the state and forcing them to flee Brazil. The review praises Wahlberg’s comedic timing and chemistry with Hauser, comparing it favorably to his work in 'The Other Guys.' Supporting performances by Molly Shannon, Benjamin Bratt, and Sacha Baron Cohen are also highlighted. Although the film does not reach the heights of Farrelly’s 90s classics like 'Dumb and Dumber,' it is described as an entertaining escape from the controversies surrounding the actual World Cup tournament. The critic argues that the movie deserved a theatrical release rather than debuting exclusively on Prime Video, suggesting it would have resonated well with audiences seeking humor amidst global sporting tensions.
Wire timeline
Review: Mark Wahlberg Stars in Peter Farrelly's Gross-Out Comedy 'Balls Up'
Peter Farrelly’s latest solo directorial effort, 'Balls Up,' is a ribald World Cup-themed buddy comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser. The film follows Elijah, a shy product designer of a unique male prophylactic, and Brad, an arrogant salesman who ruins a deal with the Brazilian government by causing a cabinet minister to relapse into alcoholism. After their company collapses and they are fired, the duo receives VIP tickets to the World Cup final as compensation. However, they drunkenly interfere with the match, becoming enemies of the state and forcing them to flee Brazil. The review praises Wahlberg’s comedic timing and chemistry with Hauser, comparing it favorably to his work in 'The Other Guys.' Supporting performances by Molly Shannon, Benjamin Bratt, and Sacha Baron Cohen are also highlighted. Although the film does not reach the heights of Farrelly’s 90s classics like 'Dumb and Dumber,' it is described as an entertaining escape from the controversies surrounding the actual World Cup tournament. The critic argues that the movie deserved a theatrical release rather than debuting exclusively on Prime Video, suggesting it would have resonated well with audiences seeking humor amidst global sporting tensions.
The Guardian