Ripped

Ripped is a surreal and rib-tickling comedy from 2017, bolstered by a stellar cast, including Faizon Love, Russell Peters, and Alex Meneses. Directed by Brad Epstein, this film explores themes of time travel, friendship, normalization, and culture shock, in an unusual and comical manner.

The film's narrative revolves around the core characters, Harris, and Reeves, played by comedy veterans Faizon Love and Russell Peters, respectively. These two stoner buddies complement each other perfectly, blending their unique charm to bring their quirky characters to life. The duo capture the essence of their respective roles, setting the tone for this slapstick adventure.

The plot kick-starts in 1986 as the youthful versions of our protagonists stumble upon a stash of high-powered CIA weed, which fuels their outlandish dreams and aspirations. As trigger-happy enthusiasts, they decide to consume the whole batch, resulting in the most profound trip ever. They are plunged into a fantastical high potent enough to knock them out cold for three decades. Awakening 30 years later, in 2016, they come back to a radically changed world.

Perturbed by the dramatic shift in culture and technology, the duo suddenly find themselves out of sync in this new world. The sight of Harris and Reeves trying to make sense of modern mores, from smartphones to social media, elicits a string of humorous scenarios, providing the backbone of the film's comedy. The characters' stark bewilderment at ordinary occurrences flaunts the stark shift in their reality, coming across as a delightful blend of hilarity and occasionally, insight.

Central to the appeal of the movie is the camaraderie between Harris and Reeves, and how they manage in the modern era. The bond between this duo is an element that serves the narrative while throwing light on the importance of friendship and unity. They lend their unwavering support to one another as they step into the harsh reality of the world around them, figuring out ways to adapt while holding on to their lighthearted selves amidst the confounding, chaotic hustle and bustle of the 21st century.

Alex Meneses plays the role of Debbie, who is an integral part of the plot. The prettiness of her youthful years has now transformed into the charm of middle age, and her character provides an emotional heft to the narrative besides the comedic elements. The significance of her role and the story arc sends a poignant message about the impermanence of life and its inevitable transformation.

Creative yet relatable, Ripped demonstrates its strength as a wholesome comedy film. The narrative perfectly balances its humor and sentiment to entertain its audience. While the plot's primary focus lies in showcasing the amusing predicaments that Harris and Reeves find themselves in due to the time leap, the film successfully weaves subtle undertones of nostalgia, camaraderie, and acceptance into its narrative.

Director Brad Epstein brilliantly creates a series of comedic scenarios, keeping the audience engaged while also showcasing the stark differences between the 1980s and the 21st century. The backdrop of cultural and technological evolution is rib-tickling as well as enlightening, reminding viewers of the fast-paced evolution that societies have undergone in the past few decades.

Ripped is a joy ride of laughter and friendship that engrosses viewers with its refreshing concept, endearing characters, and top-notch comedic performances. While the film features a whimsical idea of time travel, it cleverly uses this premise not just for eliciting laughter, but also for highlighting the comic absurdity of our everyday life when viewed from a different perspective. An easy-going watch, Ripped successfully combines humor and heart, providing an entertaining spectacle for comedy lovers.

In its essence, the film is an engaging exploration of two friends thrown out of their comfort zones into a strange new world. How they navigate the changes and come to terms with their circumstances makes the movie an enjoyable viewing experience, promising laughter, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia.