Semi-Pro (2008)-Eric Smith
May 5, 2008
Semi-Pro (2008)
By Eric Smith
If you haven’t checked out Semi-Pro, Will Ferrell’s latest sports comedy, you’re not missing much. In fact, chances are, you’ve already seen much of what’s in this flat, unfunny film.
Will Ferrell once again takes center stage, in his usual obnoxious, shouting role, this time as Jackie Moon, owner/coach/power forward for the Flint (MI) Tropics of the ABA (American Basketball Association). Now, doing some research, I found that, historically, this film is right on the nose (except for the Tropics, of course). The film takes place in 1976, the year the ABA went defunct; the four teams mentioned in the movie were, in fact, the actual teams that made it into the NBA; and the ABA teams were widely known for their outlandish promotions (one of the few highlights of Semi-Pro). To that, I applaud, as it’s homage to the glory days of semi-pro basketball and those who remember it well. The Tropics are considered the worst in the ABA. They only have two or three good members (one of them Andre Benjamin’s "Downtown") and they rarely rake in any attendance (another big problem by the real-life ABA). During a league meeting, it is announced that four teams will make the merger (although it is Jackie’s idea to have the "Top Four" teams make it). So now it’s Jackie’s turn to get his team out of a slump, starting with hiring former NBA player Monix (Woody Harrelson in White Men Can’t Jump mode). Harrelson gets his own subplot, involving his attempt to getting back with his ex.
The film’s big problem is that it becomes another cliché, underdog sports film, which has been done to much better effect before. The other big problem is that it uses so many recycled gags from other Ferrell films, including more-of-the-same jokes on the ’70s lifestyle (what is it with Will Ferrell and the ’70s?). Supporting characters and even characters with bit parts have funnier lines than Ferrell’s entire performance. Heck, the lady in charge of wrangling the bear is probably the funniest person in the whole movie. Now, the cast looks good, but the there are huge laugh droughts, the basketball games are badly filmed, and a vast majority of the jokes suffer greatly being immature and falling flat. This film belongs in the same grave the ABA is in.
Copyright C. 2008 Eric Smith
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