As the star of “Semi-Pro,” Will Ferrell adds to an ever-growing stable of sports-oriented comedies. Like Adam Sandler before him, Ferrell has created a standard formula for comedies like these, but in this case, that's not such a bad thing.
“Semi-Pro” Takes Place at the Beginning of the Disco Era
Set in 1976, a time when the American Basketball Association (ABA) was still alive and well, “Semi-Pro” tells the story of Jackie Moon (Ferrell), the flamboyant owner of the Flint Michigan Tropics. Moon, a singer who had just one chart-topping hit, used his money to buy an ABA franchise, but the declining popularity of his team forces Moon to become a coach and player as well as the owner.
A League Merger Threatens the Future of the Flint Michigan Tropics in “Semi-Pro”
At first, Jackie is happy to hear about the ABA's proposed merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA), but his happiness is short-lived when he finds out that his team won’t be moving over to the NBA.
Determined to get his cut of the NBA pie, Jackie devotes all of his time into making the Tropics a better team, even making a trade for Ed Monix (Woody Harrelson), a local boy who made it good for one season in the NBA.
Jackie Moon is a Likeable Will Ferrell Character
Unlike characters such as NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby (“Talladega Nights”) and skater Chazz Michael Michaels (“Blades of Glory”), Ferrell’s Jackie Moon is a likeable, if dim-witted, guy who devotes himself to the Flint Michigan Tropics.
Jackie Moon also is a master showman, drawing crowds to games with promotions that require him to wrestle a bear or roller skate over at least a half-dozen scantily-clad cheerleaders. Bizarre stunts and beautiful women are Will Ferrell trademarks and he uses them to good effect here.
Woody Harrelson Returns to the Basketball Court in “Semi-Pro”
In the 1992 comedy “White Men Can’t Jump,” Woody Harrelson showed his moves on the basketball court and he demonstrates his talent for the game in “Semi-Pro” as former NBA player Ed Monix. Monix’s rekindled relationship with an old flame (Maura Tierney) also is more outrageous than romantic.
“Semi-Pro” Captures the Styles and Attitudes of the 1970’s.
In his directorial debut, Kent Alterman shows real attention to detail in “Semi-Pro,” especially when it comes to things from the 1970’s. Alterman throws in such kitschy items as “Pong,” the original home video game, fondue pots and men’s leisure suits.
“Semi-Pro” is a Solid Will Ferrell Comedy
In many ways, Jackie Moon could be the long-lost cousin of Buddy, the hero of the holiday-themed “Elf.” Both Will Ferrell characters are likeable guys who, when they find themselves out of their element, always try to do the right thing.
Moon’s likeability is one big reason why “Semi-Pro” is an entertaining, if extremely profane, comedy that contains some of Will Ferrell’s best work to date.
Semi-Pro, rated R for language and some sexual content, opens nationwide on Friday, February 29.
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