SEMI-PRO is the story of owner coach Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell), an over confident promoter who runs in trouble with his basketball team because they just cannot play.  To make his dream of winning come true, he hires an ex-NBA’s Monix (Woody Harrelson) who takes over the reigns as coach.

Directed by Kent Alterman (executive producer of fine films like A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE and LITTLE CHILDREN) and written by Scot Armstrong (OLD SCHOOL, THE HEARTBREAK KID), SEMI-PRO is an efficient comedy with a good hit and miss ratio.  Set in the 70’s with a Motown soundtrack (Jackie Moon hits the charts with a ridiculous song ‘Love Me Sexy’) and the cast all sporting afro-hairdos, the film parodies the era and the sport of basketball (the fights, rulings et al.) while keeping the plot on track.  As the film is not essentially a sports film, the final game is won by a twist in divine fate, rather that an exciting edge of the seat game.  Added in for good cheer is a message (to be taken with a pinch of salt) as well.

SEMI-PRO is a well made (though not the best) recycled comedy that follows closely the formula of Will Ferrell’s past hits ANCHORMAN, TALLADEGA NIGHTS and BLADES OF GLORY.  Woody Harrelson pairs well with Farrell.  But this pairing is no match with Farrell’s hilarious (pairing) with Jon Leder or Sasha Baron Cohen in BLADES OF GLORY or TALLADGA NIGHTS.