I'm surprised with the rather negative reception this movie has received. Right from the get-go, it's not the same kind of Will Ferrell sports comedy we've seen in the past. Though his profanity is stronger, Ferrell is toned down as Jackie Moon when compared with Ricky Bobby and Chazz Michaels, but I'd argue that's a good thing. It also works well within the movie, which plays out as something more in the vein of Major League than Blades of Glory. Like most mainstream comedies, there is plenty of stupidity to go around, but there are also quite a few laughs to be found. Woody Harrelson contributes with an entertaining role, while Will Arnett steals several scenes as a horny commentator. Though it had its weaknesses, it managed to keep me laughing on a fairly consistent basis for over 90 minutes, so for that I have to recommend it.

I've seen the unrated DVD version twice now, and I like it better than the theatrical cut. As jmart said, there isn't a lot added, but it makes the movie flow better.

Grade: B

It's pretty lame; Ferrell's shtick is wearing thin, and the R-rating can't really save things. Harrelson's subplot is pointless and silly, and really takes away from the central narrative (such as it is). It has its moments (the bear wrestling scene is pretty hilarious), but they're few and far between. Hopefully Step Brothers will break Ferrell's streak of progressively worsening films.

The worse part about it is how boring it is. It has some laughs but nothing like most Ferrell comedies where you'd be quoting it with your friends for weeks. It's Ferrell's weakest attempt yet.

- C-

Along with Prom Night this is easily the worst movie I've seen this year so far. I'm not a fan of Ferrell at all and this movie shows why. He's so not my type of humor. F

Semi-Pro (Unrated)

Funny film. Simple story, but as usual Will Ferrell delivers an odd-ball performance to make it different. I dislike basketball, but I enjoyed watching this film very much. Woody Harrelson is good, Ferrell is fine, Andrew Benjamin is fine too. In smaller roles, the film has Jason Sudeikis, Ed Helms, Kristen Wiig, and Rorschach himself, Jackie Earle Haley, and it is brilliantly acted by him too. It also features the gorgeous Kate Luyben.

It has a few laughs, mainly from the commentators and a few from Ferrell himself. Oh, and "Love Me Sexy" is a great and catchy 70s groove. This is the start of my 'catching up' on Will Ferrell movies, and it's so-far-so-good (I have Everything Must Go, Blades of Glory, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers ready to watch, and Kicking & Screaming ready to download). After reading through this thread, it seems that Talladega Nights is really great, which I find hard to imagine, but I am now looking forward to it.

B