The Observer, March 7, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 20
Will Ferrell tries to score with Semi-Pro
If you are a college student, chances are you can appreciate the unique humor of Will Ferrell. Even if you don't, it's a safe bet that you have a few classic quotes memorized. His new film, Semi-Pro, is no different from what we were expecting all along.
While it may not be Oscar-worthy, Semi-Pro is a heartfelt comedy set in the sexy 70s, where Ferrell's character, Jackie Moon, disco dances his way through somewhat crude jokes. The plot revolves around the Tropics, Moon's motley crew of a basketball team, of which he is the owner, coach, and starting player. Trying their best to get into the NBA, the Tropics go through a well-placed montage or two that demonstrates their growth as a team, while also showcasing sequences of general debauchery committed by Jackie and his gang. While the Tropics experience highs and lows, it is the over-the-top backdrop that gets the most laughs. The decade itself is a character in the film, as classic rock tunes are played in the night lounge, and everyone everywhere is always wearing plaid. The parody of the time period is hilarious, and made for those who can truly appreciate this time, where the most important thing was finding someone to love, at least for a night. Highlights include Will Arnett as a drunken sports announcer, and of course Ferrell himself, whose character doesn't stray from what we have all grown to love: the main character of a questionable IQ who also seems to be mildly intoxicated.
While Ferrell doesn't disappoint in delivering another comedy in his typical vein, Semi-Pro was not as quotable as some of his other films. Of course, after watching it five more times with a group of rowdy college students, I may change my mind, when it becomes easy to forget the loose plot, and focus on the delivery of ridiculous jokes that are sometimes so not funny that you laugh anyway. Semi-Pro diverges from the original mold, however, when jokes and music are strictly taken from the decade from which the film takes place. 70s slang, including anything related to "funky," "sexy," and "jive turkey," is commonplace.
Whether the Tropics actually win or lose is neither here nor there. The film was not meant to showcase a winning plot; it was made as another star vehicle for Ferrell, allowing him to show off his well-honed comic chops. The actors seemingly had a blast making the film, and it comes across throughout the movie. To enjoy Semi-Pro is to be able to laugh at yourself. Even though it is hardly the movie of the year, Semi-Pro is good for a few chuckles and a chance to vicariously enjoy the glory days of the 70s.
