“Joy Ride” is directed by Adele Lim, and this is her directorial debut. Prior to this outing, she has spent a much of her career writing various movies and TV shows. This film stars Ashley Park (Girls5eva, Emily in Paris), Sherry Cola (Turning Red, Good Trouble), Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel), and Sabrina Wu. This film is about four Asian American friends who go to China together in search of one of their birthmothers.

It is hard to find good comedies nowadays. I am not saying it is impossible. But usually when I think about some of the funnier recent movies, they honestly come from movies that could not be defined as comedies by themselves. “Free Guy” had me busting a gut, but you could argue that it is more of an action-adventure film than a comedy. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has delivered plenty of humor, but again, those are action movies. At times, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which is sort of a blend between action, adventure, and science fiction, had me wheezing and shaking my body. The only true comedies I recall watching in recent years that have been really good are “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” which yes, I guess you could say there is an actionish element there too. But in addition to that, I also really enjoyed films like “Clerks III” and “No Hard Feelings.” Either through a lack of good material or slim pickens, maybe both. If there are other comedies I saw, so be it, but that goes to show how weak the genre has been. When it comes to pure laughter, nothing has surpassed those titles. Sticking with the latter for a second, when I did my review for “No Hard Feelings,” I said I’m glad I saw it. However, I also said at the time, it was not even the funniest movie I have seen in the past few weeks.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is that movie.

Continuing to stick with the “No Hard Feelings” comparisons, I appreciated the raunch factor that movie provided. There are a few scenes that push some boundaries. But if you thought “No Hard Feelings” was dirty, hold your horses, because “Joy Ride” may the be, aside from maybe “Sausage Party,” the single filthiest movie I have reviewed on this blog. This film pulls no punches and unleashed all sorts of wild vulgarity that few movies of its kind have delivered. It is not as heavy in language as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” (the shorter runtime partially helps), but it nevertheless has tons of bombs and plenty of sexual content, much of which actually blends seamlessly with the situations at hand. There does not appear to be a moment of this movie that either feels tacked on or a waste of time. Everything works and is done to the point where it almost could not have been executed any better than it was. Though in all seriousness, if you are one of those people who does not like watching explicit scenes with parents, maybe find a way to watch this movie without them. Considering how “Joy Ride” was originally going to be called “Joy F*** Club,” it should not come as a surprise to know how naughty this movie is.

But just because this movie is all sex, all drugs, and all filth, does not mean it lacks a story. If anything I am pleasantly surprised with how amazingly laid out the story is. The concept is not too complicated, and if this movie had a minimalistic point a to b narrative to make me laugh, that would have been serviceable. But the trio of writers behind this movie decided to go beyond that barrier and not only bring a good story in addition to tons of laughs, but I would say when it comes to turning points, this film brings one of the best I have seen this year. I was kind of taken aback by how invested I became in the story for a film that is best described as a pure comedy. When I look back at movies like “Horrible Bosses” or “Anchorman,” I remember those movies not so much for the narrative, even though they tend to make sense, there is nothing broken about them. But I remember them mostly for the characters. Much like “Anchorman,” this film has a lead quartet that works both together and as individuals.

You have Audrey (left center), the serious lawyer who wants nothing more to remain successful and find her mom. Along for the ride is her best friend, Lolo (right), an artistic individual who has been by Audrey’s side since her youth. Also on the team is another artsy type, Kat (left), a famous actress, played marvelously by Stephanie Hsu, whose top tier work in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is followed up nicely here. Finishing things off is Deadeye (right center), Lolo’s cousin, who deeply loves k-pop. Of the group, she seems to be the geek type. Not in a shy, reserved way though. Each individual appears to be rather outgoing, which matches the party-like vibe of the film from start to finish, but much like certain geeks such as myself, her obsession for what she loves is crystal clear.

Overall, the phenomenal lead cast makes this movie shine. The four lead women may not be the most well-known performers. Personally, the only one of the bunch I could have picked out was Stephanie Hsu. And unfortunately, due to how bad this film did at the box office, they might remain as such. But they make this movie worth the watch. All of the cast members play off each other perfectly and I loved every second they were on screen. I do not think a sequel is in the cards right now for “Joy Ride,” but I would love to see these four together again in some capacity. They did a great job.

The supporting cast is great too, between everyone on the basketball team to those in Audrey’s family, but perhaps the highlight of said cast would have to be Meredith Hagner (Search Party, Disenchantment). Hagner plays Jess, a drug smuggler, and she is not in much of the movie, but the scene she is in is one of the film’s best. Look out for it, if you like gross humor, you might be entertained.

One of the best things about “Joy Ride” is that despite how it is heavily marketed as a laugh out loud comedy and contains all sorts of vulgar humor, it does not shy away from being heartfelt. Because I like these characters so much, I not only end up rooting for them, I feel bad for them when something tends to not go their way. When the characters hit a certain low, I am hoping they get back up. There is a certain goldilocks zone with this film by the end of it that despite being filled with dark humor through most of it, it ends up meshing together with, like the title, a joyful vibe. Check out this film, you’ll laugh, you’ll have a good time, and it is the filthiest comedy I have seen in years.

In the end, “Joy Ride” does not always make sense. But even in its more unrealistic moments, there is a sense of immersion in them. This movie builds a world around it in which I found myself invested. The characters are layered, the jokes are hysterical, and the screenplay is more Shakespearean than it has any right being. If you are not cool watching certain films with your parents, think twice before turning “Joy Ride” on with them in the room. But I think this is a great film to watch with friends, or even by yourself. The premise may be simple, but the movie within the premise can only be described as a goldmine. I am going to give “Joy Ride” an 8/10.

Also, this movie would not be as good as it is if were not for the writers. Adele Lim, Teresa Hsiao, and Cherry Chevapravatdumrong are responsible for one of the best comedies in the past decade. Also, I want to shout out Cherry Chevapravatdumrong specifically, as she also wrote my favorite television episode of all time, specifically “And Then There Were Fewer” from the “Family Guy” series. I talked a bit about the episode a few years back and it still remains a gem in my book. Here is hoping we get more good material from her, in addition to Lim and Hsiao.

“Joy Ride” is now playing in theaters and is also available to rent or buy on VOD platforms.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” Also coming soon are my reviews for “Oppenheimer,” “Haunted Mansion,” “The First Slam Dunk,” and “Barbie.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Joy Ride?” What did you think about it? Or, what comedy has your favorite main cast of characters? Hard to pick one, but I would either have to go with “Ghostbusters” or “Anchorman” at the top of my head. Let me know your picks down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!