Huh? This movie is sweet? Heder is actually funny? There is more than just catchy one-liners here? Surprise, surprise

Rating: 7/10 (1 April 2007)

Don't look now, but we have another surprisingly funny movie here. While the formula remains the same, Blades of Glory succeeds with more than just Ferrell's ability to improvise. We have a decent script full of creative gags, plot turns, and content that does not involve our poster boy in the picture. This movie is full of surprises, as it is surprisingly sweet, surprisingly smart, and surprisingly violent. Jon Heder is actually bearable this time, and with a nice supporting cast; Blades of Glory is not as quotable, but just as complete a picture as previous Ferrell films (Might have to do with Ben Stiller producing this one). Besides, any movie that can make figure skating remotely interesting deserves some special praise.
Blades of Glory is about two figure skaters, Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) and Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder), banned from men's figure skating for life after a melee erupts following a tie. However, years later it is discovered that they can skate again, but as a pair in doubles competition. Because of their miserable status at the time, the two try to reconcile and get along and be able to compete. With the help of an old coach (Craig T. Nelson), the former rivals try to win the gold by working as a couple. However, there is a brother-sister skating duo (Will Arnett and Amy Poeheler) that does not approve of their comeback attempt.
Ferrell and Heder make a decent comedy team, but it is Ferrell and his barrage of one-liners that once again steals the thunder and the entire film from everyone else involved. His presence alone is funny, and almost everything that comes out of his mouth is a stupid and quotable line. Heder has been rather afraid of branching out to different roles since his breakthrough role as Napoleon Dynamite. However, his best talent, which is his dance movements, comes through here as he portrays a very sensitive, artsy, and flamboyant figure skater. He actually does a good job here, which is quite a shock considering recent efforts. A delightful supporting cast is there for more than just star power--Arnett, Poeheler, Nelson, and the adorably sweet Jenna Fischer (The Office) do great in their roles.
Unlike other (especially recent) comedic vehicles, it's more than just dialogue and cameos running the show. With good skating choreography, great writing, and funny long-lasting gags, Blades of Glory successfully separates itself from other Ferell movies like Anchorman and Talladega Nights. The long fun gags include an ice skate chase that escalates way beyond the ice, a disgusting way to recover a key, the running joke of the homoeroticism with the sport, and a forbidden skate move that has rather strong consequences. The technical aspects of Blades of Glory are a mixed bag. Some of the special effects are good, but other times its obvious and laughably fake. The direction (Josh Gordon, Will Speck) is at times good, and then at other times lacks energy. Finally however, the editing was spot-on, as the movie never drags and remains at a respectable running time of 93 minutes, despite the slew of hit-and-miss jokes.
Of course, while it is Ferrell's best in a long time, it's not without its flaws. The hit-to-miss joke ratio is better than before, but still could use some improvement. For example, every ten attempts at humor, it succeeds six to seven times. Some of the misses are a bit gut wrenching however, especially that of an obsessed fan. The other problem is, if you do not like Ferrell, then there is no way this film will change your mind. Ferell plays the same character as in his previous works, except a lot more sex-driven and much more vulgar. There is nothing really new here, just a different environment and with a better script. Don't come in here expecting a totally different Will Ferrell.
Bottom Line: Despite its flaws, Blades of Glory is another fun film from funnyman (say those previous four words ten times fast) Will Ferrell, but this time we have a better cast and better men behind the camera. The improvising still exists, but nowhere near as much as before. With a nice blend of stupid humor and physical humor and also a hint of shock value, Blades of Glory is arguably the best ice skating comedy we've ever seen. Come to think of it however, it might be the only ice skating comedy out there. This is Jon Heder's best film, as he finally separates himself from the nerd stereotype he is so "good" at portraying. Finally, we see plenty of potentially wonderful careers rising here, especially that of Amy Poeheler and Jenna Fischer. Blades of Glory: The "Frat Pack" delivers somewhat yet again, but in a much more complete package of entertainment. If you liked the Frat Pack movies of before, this is definitely for you.