Balls Up Review: Wahlberg and Hauser Score in Gross-Out Football Comedy
If the controversies surrounding this year's World Cup have left you feeling disheartened, director Peter Farrelly offers a raucous alternative with his latest comedy Balls Up. This World Cup-themed buddy movie channels the juvenile charm of Farrelly's nineties classics like Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary, delivering a ribald delight that deserves a theatrical audience.
A Filthy Football Farce From the Opening Whistle
Viewers should be warned: this comedy does not ease into its outrageous humor. From the very first scene, Balls Up embraces its R-rated sensibilities with gusto. Paul Walter Hauser portrays Elijah, a timid product designer executive whose company has developed a revolutionary male prophylactic designed to protect testicles. The company aims to position this product as the official condom of the World Cup, a marketing ploy that sets the stage for chaos.
Mark Wahlberg stars as Brad, the charismatic salesman who secures a deal with the Brazilian travel ministry. However, Brad's celebration with cabinet minister Santos, played by Benjamin Bratt, triggers a relapse in Santos's nine-year sobriety, leading to a viral eight-ball rager that destroys both the condom deal and the company.
From VIP Tickets to Enemies of the State
As compensation, Elijah and Brad receive VIP tickets to the World Cup final, arranged by Santos before his downfall. Yet their drunken antics during extra time cause them to scramble onto the pitch and thwart a crucial goal for the host nation, transforming them into wanted enemies of the state. The remainder of the film follows their frantic race to escape Brazil before either the authorities or their own bickering tears them apart.
Wahlberg's performance stands out remarkably. Despite criticisms of his Boston smugness and culture-vulture persona, he proves himself a masterful straight man, particularly when playing against type. His chemistry with Hauser, who excels in his role, recalls Wahlberg's dynamic work alongside Will Ferrell in The Other Guys.
Supporting Cast Elevates the Raunchy Chaos
The film benefits from a strong supporting ensemble. Molly Shannon shines as the company boss with minimal self-awareness, while Benjamin Bratt surprises as a native Brazilian cabinet minister. Sacha Baron Cohen nearly steals the show as Pavio Curto Bündchen, a roguish cartel boss whose Portuguese-language delivery adds both humor and tension.
Scriptwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, known for Deadpool, layer the lowbrow humor with escalating stakes and spicy dialogue. Composer Dave Palmer enhances the film with vintage samba and bossa nova sounds, lending a touch of class to the raunch-fest.
A Comedy That Deserved Theatrical Release
Balls Up represents juvenile entertainment handled by professionals. In an era where comedy films face increasing challenges due to diverging tastes and siloed media experiences, this addition to the Farrelly brothers' canon feels like the type of film many claim "you can't make anymore." With Wahlberg's star power and Farrelly's directorial pedigree, this film could have launched the summer blockbuster season in an alternate universe.
Instead, Amazon has opted to release it directly on Prime Video, denying it the theatrical platform where its audience—particularly football fans seeking escapism—might have embraced it fully. Balls Up is now available for streaming, offering a gross-out comedy that, while not reaching the heights of Farrelly's classics, delivers consistent laughs and professional execution.
