Will Ferrell can be very funny. This is not one of those times. Tired and tawdry, this tedious misfire is a misjudgement on Ferrell's part, namely in terms of material.
Comment
03/31/08
Semi-Pro (2008)
21
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:151
Fresh:31
Rotten:120
Average Rating:4.5/10
Consensus: Semi-Pro is an intermittently funny, half-hearted attempt at sports satire, and one of Will Ferrell's weaker cinematic efforts.
Australian Theatrical Release:
Apr 3, 2008 Wide
US Box Office: $33,370,443
Synopsis: Over the course of a string of successful comedies that includes TALLADEGA NIGHTS and BLADES OF GLORY, Will Ferrel has perfected a type of swaggering, machismo-fueled character, heavy on ego and... [More]
Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Will Arnett, André Benjamin
Director: Kent Alterman
Reviews for Semi-Pro
1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; Australian critics are listed first)
Top CriticComing from someone that didn't like Ferrell's last few comedies, I can say that this is an improvement.
07/22/08
Semi-Pro may look like recycled Will Ferrell, outrageous personality and all, but there is an attention to detail and a surreal '70s splash that makes it all work.
02/28/08
No amount or combination of shame, absurdity and unflattering outfits seem to dint Ferrell's fierce commitment to character.
10/18/08
If you're a Ferrell fan, this is probably the kind of movie you want to see him in.
02/29/08
There are some ludicrous sight gags and uniquely silly, if foul-mouthed, laughs. The movie falters when it tries to be serious. Fortunately, those moments are few.
02/29/08
Top CriticWill Farrell loiters in the comfort of his signature punch-drunk delivery of outrageous lines and sight gags in a '70s era parody that extends the funk vibe of Judd Apatow's summer comedy "Superbad."
02/25/08
Semi-Pro joins Anchorman and Elf as one of Ferrell's funnier efforts.
02/26/08
The film is not up to par with some of Ferrell's previous efforts, but there are many very funny moments and scenes here.
02/28/08
Classic Will Ferrell
02/28/08
Add it all up, and this movie's nothing more or less than that huge fake-lookin' 'fro on Will Ferrell's head: untidy, familiar and kinda fun.
02/28/08
Semi-Pro stays true to the formula, and it's a pretty funny, good-looking comedy.
06/06/08
Well worth a look but this isn't trying hard enough to be as dumb as it needs to be. Next time, Ferrell, less ambition please.
02/29/08
Very much in the tradition of Slap Shot, Semi-Pro scores big laughs with the rowdy play-by-play of hard-luck hoopsters struggling for professional survival.
02/28/08
Top CriticTrue to the Will Ferrell formula, going for the joke trumps plot and character development at every turn, with the trademark humor coming via nonsensical slapstick and such Seventies-era fashion statements as cotton-candy afros and loathsome leisure suit
03/03/08
Will Ferrell in short shorts. Isn't that enough to inspire you to see the movie Semi-Pro?
02/29/08
The movie's absurdist humour and muted ambitions have paved a path for slipshod anarchy, and hinted at greater things to come from future Ferrell movies.
02/29/08
Top CriticSemi-Pro is a mess, but it's a likable one.
02/28/08
No one will argue that Semi-Pro isn't crude and lewd. Thanks to Ferrell and his cast of crazies, however, it plays the lowbrow genre like an all-pro.
03/01/08
Semi-Pro is the directorial debut of executive producer Kent Alterman and he exhibits a talent for pacing and gag placement. The production looks a little muddy, but that's in keeping with its low rent 70's feel.
02/29/08
Latest News for Semi-Pro
September 22, 2008:
Ferrell Swears Off Sports Movies 
Sick and tired of Will Ferrell sports movies? Good news: the actor has promised USA Today that he's done making them. More...
June 02, 2008:
RT on DVD: Transformers, Starship Troopers To Invade; Avoid Jessica Alba's Eye
Look out! Starship Troopers and Transformers are about to assault your senses in HD, and soon you can choose Harold and Kumar's adventures. This week's new releases are... More...
June 01, 2008:
Will Ferrell retro comedy reviolving around hijinks and hoops.
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