Liz8675309 Reviews

Semi-Pro (2008)

Not bad, not great - like most of Ferrell's recent efforts

[5/10 · 1 March 2008]

I went to this movie with low expectations - I think that helped.

I love Will Ferrell - his deadpan moments, his crazy moments, his flat shouting - so will see pretty much anything he does.

Unlike Anchorman, this movie suffers from lack of inspiration. The film itself is pretty much several short films / skits held together by the premise of an ABA (semi-pro) team's hope to join the NBA.

Some of Ferrell's regular cohorts rejoin him - Will Arnett (Blades of Glory), Andy Richter (Elf), David Koechner (a standout in Anchorman) - and all do good jobs, but no one really shines.

The best part of this movie? Andre Benjamin. As an Atlanta girl, I grew up loving Outkast. He proved his acting prowess in Four Brothers, and he flexes his comedic muscles as the team's star, Coffee Black, and steals every scene he's in. With his giant afro and '70's funk, he is the most convincing and likable character in the movie. (With the possible exception of Dewey the bear.) I'll still see any movie that Will Ferrell does, but now I'll also see any of Andre Benjamin's.

If you like Ferrell or just want a pleasant diversion (it is rated R for lots of language), Semi-Pro is worth a look. But be forewarned: this is far more Blades of Glory mediocrity than Anchorman delectable satire.

Fight Club (1999)

If at first you don't succeed...

[10/10 · 5 October 2002]

I must admit, the first time I saw Fight Club I was visually, mentally and emotionally overstimulated; however, at the prompting of a friend, I watched it again and was able to grasp and appreciate the raw, brutal honesty portrayed in it. It's reminiscent of Wall Street in that it critiques our generation, our attitudes, the environment we either helped to create or continue to perpetuate by doing nothing to stop it. Others have commented on the brilliance of the cast and crew (most especially David Fincher and Ed Norton), so I will avoid that topic. I will say, however, that the movie prompted me to read Chuck Palahniuk's book (of the same name, on which the movie is based), and this taught me it is always better to read the book after the movie than vice versa. If you enjoy the movie, and I'm willing to bet you will, please read the book--there are so many profound observations and character insights for which the movie simply has no room (that is, time). I highly recommend any of his other books, especially _Survivor_, which may or may not be made into a movie (in the post-9/11 American society, it is hard to find a studio willing to back a project with a odless] plane hijacking). If you don't like the movie the first time around, please give it a second chance. Watch it again--and then again, and again. You'll find more details, clues, special authenticating touches every time you see it.