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 Semi-Pro tries to be good, but fails all around. The silly movie doesn't provide any
originality with its mundane storyline for it to be enjoyable. If you are
looking for the great witty style of Ferrell, you'll have to rent Blades of
Glory or Talladega Nights where he shows his comedic greatness. For those die-hard Ferrell fans, however, you
won't want to miss this one so you can say you've seen them all.
The story centers on Jackie Moon (Ferrell), who made his
fame on the hit song "Love Me Sexy", and is now the owner of a semi-professional
basketball team. More of a promotional
tool than a sports team, the Flint Michigan Tropics are cruising in the cellar
of their American Basketball League.
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Rated: R
Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin
Directed by: Kent Alterman
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Fans have been dwindling and so has his bank account. But, Jackie believes that he is still on top,
especially with his loyalist fans. In a
trick of fate, the league decides to merge with the National Basketball
Association, but only four of the eight teams will go with the deal. Jackie, realizing the days for the team are
numbered, recruits Monix (Harrelson), former player for the Celtics, to help him
get his team to merger level. When some
of Jackie’s promotions backfire however, it will take more than Monix to fix
the Tropics.
A lot of
the problem for Semi-Pro comes from the hokey, unrealistic and ridiculous
promotions that writer Scot Armstrong, of Old School and Road Trip
fame, puts into the film. From the
overused shoot-a-full-court-basket-for-money contest, to the ludicrous fighting
a bear gig, the film gets boring and routine.
The few laughs that are created come from the game plays, which are more
Harlem Globetrotter than NBA.
But, there
are some redeeming qualities that should not be overlooked. The soundtrack is one of the best I’ve heard
in recent times. Here the film becomes
tolerable, listening to the original artists singing “Tell Me Something Good", “Mr.
Big Stuff", “Dance To The Music", “Shining Star” and especially “Love Me Sexy”,
sung by Will Ferrell.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Be
cautious of going to see Semi-Pro, it’s not a credible sports film, or a
good comedy for that matter.
This Reviewer's Rating:   1 / 5
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