By Hannah Gill
Despite the anticipation of “Semi-Pro,” onset by Budweiser’s Superbowl commercials, its tired humor might turn you off more than Will Ferrell’s tight gym shorts.
“Semi-Pro” tells the little known story of the 70s American Basketball Association underdogs, the Flint Tropics. Ferrell stars as Jackie Moon, the triple-threat owner, coach and star player of the Tropics. When the league threatens to dissolve the ABA, the NBA arranges a merger with the top four ABA teams. Moon, strategically trades the team’s washing machine for a Kentucky Colonels point guard far past his prime, Ed Monix, played by Woody Harrelson, all the while, hoping that his currently last place Tropics might skid into fourth place and earn their spot in the NBA.
“Semi-pro” is an entirely formulaic sports-comedy, hoping that if the mediocre jokes flop, a few shots up Ferrell’s shorts might warrant a few laughs. Even the die-hard Will Ferrell finds might be disappointed by “Semi-Pro.” Jackie Moon lacks the originality and zeal of Ricky Bobby and Chaz Michaels, Ferrell’s former athletic characters. Although, Ferrell portrays Moon in all his afroed hilarity, he’s got little to work with, as the script is a complete flop.
Writer, Scot Armstrong wrestles between two stories: a potentially hilarious Will Ferrell parody and a Woody Harrelson sports drama complete with mysterious love interest and an awkward yet spirited comeback team. He should have just stuck with the former.
This isn’t exactly the type of film known for its soundtrack, but Will Ferrell’s catchy and irreverent funk tune, “Love Me Sexy” seemed to muster more laughs than Armstrong’s attempt at humor. “Semi-Pro,” doesn’t have any Walkers or Texas Rangers, but Andrew Daly gives a consistently entertaining performance as the befuddled sports announcer, Dick Pepperfield. As with most recent comedies, the film lost its short run at humor and earned it’s R-rating with one entirely unnecessary scene between Harrelson and his go-nowhere love interest.
Despite their potential of being a hit, let’s hope Will Ferrell steers clear of the sports-comedies for a while, and declines any offers to star as an Olympic Curling champion.
