Still reeling from the finances received for his one-and-only hit, Jackie Moon is on top of the world. Not only does he own the worst team in the ABA league but he also coaches and plays in every teams devastating defeat. Regardless, Moon and company have fun playing day in and day out for their very limited fans. But when a merger between the ABA and the NBA is announced, the Flint Tropics look to be on their way out. Forced to come together, the team has to play like the champions that they all want to be "“ cause in the big realm of things, fourth place is as good as first"¦at least it is for the Topics.
From the unpopular Kicking and Screaming to the hits Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory, Will Farrell has done it all when it comes to sports comedies, and now the king of comedy is back, this time taking on the world of ABA basketball in the eagerly awaited film, Semi-Pro.
Doing what he does best, Will Farrell takes full advantage of his "˜R Rated' freedoms and gives a stellar performance, one that easily propels this film from a mediocre film to February genius. Impressive in the fact that unlike some of his past films, this one contained a hilarious story, a great director and a stellar supporting cast, all coming together and creating a strong force that is rare in the comedy field.
In most cases, comedic icon Will Farrell is forced to outperform and carry a sluggish film to the long awaited finish line; however, Semi-Pro did not put this stress upon him. Featuring a wide array of supporting characters, ranging from singer Andre Benjamin to Academy Award nominee Jackie Earle Haley, the talent was evenly dispersed, allowing Farrell to concentrate on his part and not overdo anything. His delivery is much less calm, and with the R-rated film, something that he hasn't done in quite some time, Farrell is able to let his imagination run wild as he spits out the most raunchy, unexpected lines that will have you laughing throughout every scene.
Now a word about the supporting stars. Woody Harrelson, though well beyond his peak as an actor, turned in a less than modest, though still workable performance as the legendary NBA player, Monix. Then there is Andre Benjamin, who surprises audience members with his take on the egotistical, selfish ABA star Clarence "˜Coffee' Black. Throw in some small work done by the always talented Maura Tierney and Josh Brattan, both of whom light up the screen with their comedic timing, and the cast is as well rounded as you can get, almost guaranteeing a major hit.
However, it wasn't all the actors. Writer Scot Armstrong more than pulled his weight as he provided the awkward situations that existed throughout the film as well as the hilarious undertone of sarcasm and ridicule that helped the film carry a nice, even flow. And director Ken Alterman was also amazing in his directorial debut as he controlled Will Farrell's emotions.
In short the film was a total surprise as Will Farrell takes a dying genre and gives it new life. If you are even a slight Farrell fan, don't miss this film, you won't regret it.
