Joy Ride

Joy Ride invites you to jump in and buckle up for an ride along adventure with a hilarious group of friends on the trip of their lifetimes.

Audrey (Ashley Park) is sent to China to close a deal, but ends up on a much more personal journey. A successful attorney, you’re expecting her to have it all together, but she’s grappling with her identity and self-esteem as an American who was adopted from China as a baby.

As she sets out to find her biological mother, she’s joined by her fiercely loyal buddy, Lolo (Sherry Cola), who’s determined to live life to the fullest without the constraints of a job-job, college buddy Kat (Hsu), the perfect translator, and eccentric cousin Deadeye. Their performances make the film worth the trip, and they had me laughing uncontrollably during the film’s shockingly funny scenes. Timing is crucial in comedies, and in Joy Ride, they all nail it.

While it’s difficult to choose a favorite character, Deadeye (Sabrina Wu) was the most memorable for me. As the socially awkward, fun-loving K-Pop fan, she creates hilarious moments through her reactions and attempts to connect with people. Despite her off beat personality, Dead Eye manages to come across as the most grounded of the group.

Set against stunning landscapes with carefully crafted scenes, a testament to Lim’s direction, Joy Ride captures the beauty of the open road and the vast countryside of China, taking us to places few of us have seen. It is so visually captivating that it tempted me to book a trip to China.

While the film is a hard R-rated summer comedy and a “quad squad” road trip movie, it surprises as its delves into the deeper terrain of self-discovery. Through each character, we witness the impact a buddy trip can actually have, the need to step out of comfort zones and open up to new relationships.

One final tip:  Download the soundtrack, as it’s a perfect complement to the film’s vitality (and your own summer road trip), a carefully curated selection of joy and nostalgia that amplifies the emotional impact of the story. You’ll be humming long after the credits roll.

Go Deeper

For Asian Americans, Playing a ‘Hot Mess’ is Liberating — The New York Times