Balls Up is a 2026 American comedy sports action film directed by Peter Farrelly from a screenplay by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 15, 2026.
„Balls Up“" is a crude, chaotic and deliberately provocative comedy directed by Peter Farrelly - the man behind classics like "„From stupid to stupider“" (1994). Here he returns to his old style: absurd humor, body jokes and characters who make the worst possible decisions. The script by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (known from "„Deadpool“" (2016)) suggests that the film will be fast-paced, cynical, and uninhibited – and it is indeed exactly that.
The story follows two marketing executives – Brad and Elijah – who try to make a breakthrough with an absurd idea: sponsoring the World Cup with… an extremely unconventional product. After the deal seems successful, a drunken party in Brazil turns into an international scandal. From that moment on, the two characters find themselves at the center of chaos – pursued by fans, criminals and the authorities. The film unfolds as a series of ridiculous situations that escalate more and more, with the stakes being simple: to survive and somehow get out of the mess they have gotten themselves into.
Peter Farrelly relies on his familiar formula – fast pace, crude humor and almost cartoonish situations. The film does not try to be subtle or intelligent – it is direct, loud and often deliberately vulgar. This is the kind of comedy that will either make you laugh with its absurdity or completely repel you. The direction is strongest when it indulges in pure chaos – chases, ridiculous misunderstandings and climaxes that go beyond all logic. But in the calmer moments the film loses its rhythm and seems scattered.
Mark Wahlberg (Brad) – plays his typical image of a confident but not particularly smart hero; his charisma helps, but the material doesn't always support him.
Paul Walter Hauser (Elijah) – the more comedic of the two; his awkwardness and insecurity create some of the funniest moments.
Sacha Baron Cohen – eccentric and completely „out of control“, as one might expect.
Benjamin Brat – adds color and energy to a more sideline but memorable role.
Molly Shannon – brings classic comedic chaos with his signature style.
The chemistry between Wahlberg and Hauser is the main driving force of the film, though it's not always enough to save the weaker scenes.
„Balls Up“" is a typical "crude comedy" - loud, vulgar and fully aware of what it is. It does not strive for depth or originality, but for pure entertainment through absurdity. For fans of this type of humor, the film may be funny and even nostalgic, harking back to the comedies of the early 2000s. For others - it will probably seem like a series of overdone and often unsuccessful jokes. This is a film that you will either "hit" or turn off after the first 15 minutes - there is almost no middle ground.
