Farrelly's Hard-R Comedy 'Balls Up' Hits Prime Video

Director Bobby Farrelly, celebrated for comedies like "Dumb and Dumber" and the Oscar-winning "Green Book," has released his latest hard-R comedy, "Balls Up," now available on Prime Video. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser as condom salesmen whose invention leads to an outlandish plot involving the World Cup, a drug lord played by Sacha Baron Cohen, and militant environmentalists. Farrelly described receiving the script as a serendipitous event rather than a calculated career move back to his earlier comedic style.

Farrelly noted that road trips are a recurring theme in his films, drawing parallels to his personal experiences driving cross-country alone for clarity. He explained that such journeys, often unscripted, allow for introspection and problem-solving, similar to how ideas for projects can emerge. "Balls Up" was written by "Zombieland" and "Deadpool" scribes Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, who Farrelly praised for their talent.

The director expressed his admiration for Mark Wahlberg, whom he cast after being a fan since "Boogie Nights," calling him a professional and a pleasure to work with. He also discovered Paul Walter Hauser's comedic depth during the film's production. A standout scene involves Wahlberg and Hauser singing Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know." Farrelly also recounted his positive experience working with Sacha Baron Cohen, emphasizing the importance of allowing such talents creative freedom.

Farrelly believes "Balls Up" exemplifies the type of R-rated comedy that has become rare in cinema, likening its revival to the impact of "There's Something About Mary." He also discussed his upcoming film, "I Play Rocky," a biographical drama about the making of "Rocky," starring Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone, which is set for a theatrical release.