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‘Semi-Pro’ is semi funny
Movie Review: Semi-Pro
By John Starr
Special to 2theadvocate.com
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out of 4 stars.
Will Ferrell is someone who is funny to most, but annoying to the rest. In the last few years, he has made a name for himself in the young/collegiate humor arena with films like “Talladega Nights” and “Anchorman.” Unfortunately, “Semi-Pro” doesn’t have the same staying power as his above two movies.
After securing money from his pop music hit, “Love Me Sexy,” Jackie Moon (Ferrell) purchases the Flint, Mich., Tropics, a dysfunctional team from the former American Basketball Association. When talk about an ABA merger with the NBA begins to spread, Moon and the Tropics have to fight for a spot in the NBA. In order to go to the big time, Moon has to turn his team of losers into winners.
All in all, I like most of Ferrell’s movies. I am even that person who enjoys his obnoxious, over-the-top characters. However, Jackie Moon isn’t the typical scene stealer Ferrell usually portrays.
The supporting cast really has an opportunity to shine in this film. In fact, Woody Harrelson’s Monix character drives the true storyline in this movie. He is a washed-up NBA player who is traded to the Tropics for a washing machine.
André Benjamin gives a spectacular comic performance as Clarence “Coffee” Black. His character has all of the NBA potential without the motivation to truly make it. Benjamin, who is also known as André 3000, half of rap group Outkast, isn’t new to comedy roles. He was excellent as Dabu in “Get Shorty,” the sequel to “Be Cool.”
One memorable scene that shows off Benjamin’s comedic skill was toward the end of the movie. Black and Moon introduce the world to a new basketball play called the “Alley Oop.”
Overall, the premise and comedy of “Semi-Pro” was funny, but it wasn’t of the same caliber as many of Ferrell’s “Old School” movies.
Is this movie funny? Sure.
Is it the funniest movie ever? Far from it.
Although the jokes are hit and miss, “Semi-Pro” delivered some substantially comical scenes. The performances by all were humorous and somewhat memorable, but I definitely have seen these actors in funnier roles.
