By Chris Webb/nw news editor
Semi-Pro (3 stars)
Right at the opening credits, director Kent Alterman and writer Scot Armstrong make it very clear that Semi-Pro will be nothing short of absurdly goofy. As Will Ferrell sings his character’s signature song, “Love Me Sexy,” the audience doesn’t know what to think, but they know enough to laugh.
Taking Semi-Pro seriously whatsoever derives hatred; investing in the characters in any sort of way will result in an absolute waste of time. But, if you approach Semi-Pro as a ridiculous, raunchy, outrageous parody of who knows what, you will have sore abs the next day.
Between twisted sex scenes, vicious bear maulings and more “F” bombs than you can squeeze into a season of Sopranos, this movie is far from kid friendly.
The film’s randomness will offset some moviegoers, but overall the rapid-fire humor overshadows any care for sensibility in plot. Jackie Moon (Ferrell), owner, promoter, coach, and lead player of the Tropics “pro” basketball team, stands at the center of nearly every joke throughout the movie.
Some of the lazier writing and jokes are so crude they will make you think a certain level of inebriation is required to get it, but enough good laughs will carry most viewers to the end without getting bored. Also, those hoping for edgier humor from the R rating will be disappointed by too many cheap laughs and jokes relying solely on profanity.
The movie’s biggest faults occur pretty much anytime the writers try to get sincere. Since nothing in this film is even remotely serious, Woody Harrelson’s attempt at a dramatic and serious role as Monix, an unsatisfied and aging NBA has-been, is a complete waste. His acting seems at odds with the entire vibe of the movie and ends up as a distraction between jokes.
Unfortunately, just because nothing is serious doesn’t mean some scenes don’t attempt it. Semi-Pro can feel like a bad episode of Who’s Line Is It Anyway? or a string of over-used inside jokes. Even still, much of Semi-Prodelves into new territory. It’s not very fresh, but at least it’s different.
Just when you think you’ve seen the most obscene thing Ferrell’s mind has to offer, he takes it to a new level, whether a new high or a new low is up to interpretation, but most will see a bit of both. Fans of Ferrell’s work who approach this latest film with a light and unassuming state of mind will walk home laughing.
